Speech recognition and transcription among users having heterogeneous protocols

ABSTRACT

A system for facilitating free form dictation, including directed dictation and constrained recognition and/or structured transcription among users having heterogeneous protocols for generating, transcribing, and exchanging recognized and transcribed speech. The system includes a system transaction manager having a “system protocol,” to receive a speech information request from an authorized user. The speech information request is generated using a user interface capable of bi-directional communication with the system transaction manager and supporting dictation applications. A speech recognition and/or transcription engine (ASR), in communication with the system transaction manager, receives the speech information request, generates a transcribed response, and transmits the response to the system transaction manager. The system transaction manager routes the response to one or more of the users. In another embodiment, the system employs a virtual sound driver for streaming free form dictation to any ASR.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation application of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/115,105 filed May 24, 2011 for “DYNAMIC SPEECHRECOGNITION AND TRANSCRIPTION AMONG USERS HAVING HETEROGENEOUSPROTOCOLS,” which is a Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/497,675 filed Jul. 5, 2009 for “SPEECHRECOGNITION AND TRANSCRIPTION AMONG USERS HAVING HETEROGENEOUSPROTOCOLS,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,949,534, which is a ContinuationApplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/824,794 filed Jul. 3, 2007for “SPEECH RECOGNITION AND TRANSCRIPTION AMONG USERS HAVINGHETEROGENEOUS PROTOCOLS,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,558,730, which is aContinuation Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/996,849 filedNov. 27, 2001 for “SPEECH RECOGNITION AND TRANSCRIPTION AMONG USERSHAVING HETEROGENEOUS PROTOCOLS” (now abandoned).

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to electronic speech recognition andtranscription; and, more particularly, to processes and systems forfacilitating “free form” dictation, including directed dictation,constrained recognition and/or structured transcription among usershaving heterogeneous system protocols. The grandparent application Ser.No. 09/996,849, which is herein incorporated by reference, presents asystem and processes for facilitating electronic speech recognitionand/or transcription among users having heterogeneous system protocols.

As set forth in the parent application, networked application serviceproviders (ASPs) are the most efficient way to utilize sophisticatedspeech recognition and/or transcription engines having robustdictionaries and vocabularies for large scale users, especially in theprofessions. The networked application service provider (also known as“on-demand” software or software as “a service”) interconnectsapplication software to high accuracy speech recognition and/ortranscription engines which may exist on a centralized specific serverapplication; or, one of the facilities in a peer-to-peer networkcomputing (peer node); or, networking as a distributed applicationarchitecture that partitions tasks and/or workloads between peers toform a peer-to-peer network, as well as the “cloud” computing networkconfiguration.

However, a barrier to implementation of these networked systems is theuser's use of internal “business” and/or system protocol (legacyprotocols), which include, in many cases, both unique nativecommunications and application protocols. These protocols are marked bytheir unique interface with the entities system and/or organization, andare, therefore, not universal in their interconnect capabilities ortheir application. Thus, most network systems are unavailable to usersemploying legacy or native systems.

As set forth in the parent and grandparent applications, seamlesslyinterfacing with network application service provider software thatenables powerful speech recognition and/or transcription engines tointerface with legacy systems is required in order for these legacysystems to interface effectively with robust network based systems.Centralized databases (or uniformly accessible databases) that containinformation for a number of users, including the wide spreadavailability of specific vocabularies which include phraseology,grammar, and dictionaries, as well as formatting structures for users ofthe system, are usually more efficient than a network of mere direct,point-to-point links between individual users.

But universally available recognition databases, including vocabularydatabases and dictionaries, suffer from significant inefficiencies infacilitating communications between users of a more centralized databasesystem, especially if the dictation to be transcribed is “free form” ordynamic. Even though a recognition engine is very accurate in spokenword (speech) recognition, the transcription may be filled withtranscribed material which is “out of context,” misinterpreted or notformatted correctly. Simply stated, “garbage in-garbage out.”

Thus, even though engine providers advertise in terms of recognition andtranscription accuracy, the real issue with these robust engines is easeof use (user friendliness); and, the direct usability of the transcribedmaterial without extensive editing, correcting and/or reformatting.Perhaps most significantly, the content of a single database rarelycontains every user's required information, even when that databasespecializes in information regarding a particular field or expertise,e.g. medicine.

A system for facilitating the exchange of speech (which includes spokentext and verbal and non-verbal commands) and information among usershaving heterogeneous and/or disparate internal system protocols, whichis safe, secure, and easy to use, was set forth in the parent andgrandparent applications. However, seamless use of automated speechrecognition and/or transcription engines (ASRs) by one or more networkedapplication server providers (ASPs) presents a system restriction whichis inherent to this configuration. Even though, the remotely locatedASRs are more robust and provide for use of larger and more diversedictionaries and vocabularies, including specific dictionaries, theability of a remote user to properly select the needed systeminformation for a specific application is restricted and complicated.This is especially true when ASRs and/or different aspects of a singlevocabulary or a specific dictionary need to be selected “on the fly,”i.e. dynamically, or during a “free form,” streamed dictation session,or in response to a streamed, prerecorded session.

When a particular “free form,” streamed dictated session requires accessto a myriad of specialized functions, such as medical information, whichmust serve a number of specialized purposes, these system restrictionsmay overshadow the usefulness of networked robust ASRs. Similarrestrictions are present on these remote robust ASRs, especially whencertain formatting and vocabulary are necessary for very specializedapplication or functions, which form a portion of otherwise normaldictation.

Although some prior art systems contain “drop down menus” which can bepopulated and thus create documents with predetermined word lists and/orshort phrases for the system, these systems contain inherentrestrictions and interruptions in the dictating session which limit therequired functionality for “free form,” streamed dictation. That is,these menus/lists do not provide the flexibility to accept the streamingof dictated sentences and phrases, including jargon, normally associatedand/or recognized by practitioners and/or paraprofessional oradministrative personnel in a specific trade or profession such as, forexample, medicine or law.

Thus, populating drop down menus/lists with predetermined single wordsor short phrases has not proven adequate for these higher functionalityuses and unduly constrains the speaker and/or interrupts his/her trainof thought. Additionally, these types of drop down menus/lists are moreeasily populated by an administrator on a keyboard or with a mouse; and,do not require the capability or sophistication of a centrallycontrolled transcription system and robust recognition and/ortranscription engines (ASRs). An example of complex, “free form”dictation is a surgeon dictating notes during an open heart procedure ora radiologist reading an X-ray film or an MRI scan.

Previous attempts to expand the flexibility of centrally controlledsystems were to create large “user files” or databases which could beaccessed only by a single user. These user files contained the needed“user profile” for dictation, as well as the user specific vocabulariesor dictionaries for the ASRs. Thus, all the capability of the system fora single user had to be pre-stored for that user alone. This limited theamount of new indexed data generally accessible to a specific user, aswell as the flexibility of using ASRs and/or dynamically (“on the fly”)switching to specialized vocabularies as needed or directed by the useror the system. That is, general databases, for example, dictionaries,could not be universally updated without the necessity of updating eachindividual user's database associated with each specific ASR. Further,as these databases grew, the ability to navigate the differentcapabilities of these large databases in a short time frame (“on thefly”) became limiting, especially during “live,” complex transcriptionthat required the ASR to dynamically switch among vocabularies ofmultiple specialties to obtain optimum recognition accuracy and/or withmultiple speakers such as, for example, legal depositions. This madecertain uses impossible such as, for example, in a court room setting orin an operating theater.

Moreover, previous systems did not provide dynamic system interfacebetween the automated speech recognition and/or transcription engine(ASR) and the legacy user such that the system could prompt the user tofocus the dictation to provide a more structured set of recognitionrules and/or a constrained recognition and/or a structuredtranscription. Such systems required cumbersome human machine (system)interface requiring the user to, for example, pause in order to“command” or instruct the system to accommodate the different scenarios;and, then pause until the system could locate and upload the databaserequired to respond.

Additionally, certain recognition/speech engines, by design, processaudio files on a “batch bases.” Although a design limitation, notrelated to the accuracy or the speed of the engine, this constraint,heretofore, foreclosed certain applications, including limiting theircapability to transcribe streamed dictation to an amount of informationaccepted by the recognition engine in a single batch. Other speechengines are only compatible with dictated text from a specific sourcesuch as, for example, live microphone or line input. This inhibits theability of these engines to operate with digital systems or systemswhich digitize speech into data packets for system identification andprocessing. Thus, even though the capability was provided to accessnetworked and remote functionality, the complete value of thiscapability was hindered by these inherent limitations.

SUMMARY

A method and system for facilitating Free Form Dictation, includingDirected Dictation and Constrained Recognition and/or StructuredTranscription among Users having heterogeneous native (legacy) protocolsis provided. The System includes at least one System Transaction Managerrunning on a microprocessor having a “system protocol,” adapted toreceive a verified, streamed Speech Information Request (SIR) from atleast one authorized User employing a first legacy User protocol, andRouting a Response configured in a second legacy User protocol to one ormore Users that employs a second legacy User protocol.

The Speech Information Request (SIR) is comprised of Free FormDictation, which can be Directed Dictation, which is live dictation orfrom a previously recorded session, which contains spoken text fortranscription and Commands (Speech), including Audio and Non-AudioCommands, for directing the production of Constrained Recognition and/orStructured Transcription; and, the Response is comprised of atranscription of the spoken text, including Formatted Transcription, inresponse to Commands whether from the SIR, the System, or the AutomatedSpeech Recognition and/or Transcription Engine (ASR). The SystemTransaction Manager, using a system protocol, is in communication withall components and/or elements of the System to enable Users toexperience uninterrupted seamless Free Form Dictation using their ownlegacy User protocol.

The System includes at least one Automated Speech Recognition and/orTranscription Engine (ASR) which can have a legacy engine protocol incommunication with the System Transaction Manager for receiving theSpeech Information Request (SIR) containing the Directed Dictation, aswell as System generated Commands from the User and/or the SystemTransaction Manager which are processed by the Automated SpeechRecognition and/or Transcription Engine (ASR) to Constrain Recognitionand generate Structured Transcription in Response to the SIR; and, fortransmitting the structured transcribed Response to the SystemTransaction Manager.

In one aspect of the System, at least one Application Service Adapter(ASA) configured to provide bi-directional transmission between thefirst legacy User protocol and the System Transaction Manager's uniformsystem protocol and between the second legacy User protocol and theSystem Transaction Manager's uniform system protocol is provided. ASpeech Recognition Service Adapter (SRSA) is utilized to provide, whenrequired, bi-directional translation between the System TransactionManager's uniform protocol and the ASR's native engine protocol. A firstlegacy User protocol can be the same as or different than the secondlegacy User protocol.

The System components, including the System Transaction Manager and theASR, can reside in a single location or the functionalities can bedistributed throughout the Internet as in “cloud” applications or beincluded as a Peer Node in peer-to-peer networks which sharefunctionalities by and through the System Transaction Manager. The ASRcan reside on a remote Speech Recognition and/or Transcription Server(SRTS) or at one or more “nodes” in a peer-to-peer configuration orwithin the “cloud” and is in communication with the System TransactionManager through the network.

Directed Dictation can be provided directly by the User during a sessionby structuring the User Interface Device so as to prompt the User toconstrain his dictation to specific subject matter and/or content; or,it can be provided by the legacy User application or the Systemresponding to the User's specific use of fields or segments of the UserInterface Device or visual or audio prompts generated by the legacy Usersystem applications running on the legacy User Interface Device. Thelegacy User Interface Devices can include remote stations, e.g. PDAs,cell phones, phones, tablets, PCs, digital recorders, analog recorders,and Internet devices; and/or, Directed Dictation can be provided byemploying communication between the legacy User interface and the SystemTransaction Manager such that the System Transaction Manager prompts theUser to dictate using a specific format and/or vocabulary either byprompt from the User Profile or in accordance with a predetermined Userstructured instructions and/or from actions of a User such as selectionof a field on the User interface which instructs the System TransactionManager to select a specified Constrained Recognition and/or StructuredTranscription associated with a specific ASR.

In one embodiment, the System employs a Buffer function to facilitateFree Form Dictation, including the System's use of batch AutomatedSpeech Recognition and/or Transcription Engines (ASRs) and/orConstrained Recognition and/or Structured Transcription, while providingthe User with an uninterrupted, seamless dictating experience.

In another embodiment, the System employs a Virtual Sound Driver forstreaming Free Form Dictation to any ASR, regardless of the ASR'sability to recognize and/or transcribe spoken text only from, forexample, a live microphone or line input. The System Transaction Managersends spoken text to the ASR by way of the Virtual Sound Driver. TheVirtual Sound Driver outputs the spoken text in a data format whichsimulates or mimics that of the input from, for example, live microphoneor line source. This results in the ASR, upon receiving the spoken textfrom the Virtual Sound Driver, processing it as if it were generated by,for example, a live microphone or line source, regardless of the actualoriginating source.

A method for facilitating Free Form Dictation, including DirectedDictation and Constrained Recognition and/or Structured Transcriptionamong Users having heterogeneous system protocols is also provided. Themethod comprises generating an authorized Speech Information Request(SIR), which is either live or pre-recorded, obtained through a firstlegacy User protocol, the Speech Information Request (SIR) comprised ofDirected Dictation; translating the first legacy User protocol to theuniform System protocol used by a System Transaction Manager;transmitting the translated Speech Information Request (SIR) through theSystem Transaction Manager that directs the SIR to an Automated SpeechRecognition and/or Transcription Engine (ASR); generating a Response tothe SIR, including transcription of spoken text using the ASR; theResponse comprised of Structured Transcription of the spoken text;translating the uniform System protocol to a second legacy Userprotocol, which may be the same as the first; and, transmitting theResponse to a User via the System Transaction Manager to provide theRecipient User with a transcription of the spoken text, including aFormatted Transcription, if required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a networked ASP configurationamong Users for facilitating Speech recognition and/or transcription.

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing processing and flow of informationamong Users and components of the System shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of another embodiment of a System forfacilitating Speech recognition and/or transcription.

FIG. 4 is schematic drawing of a User interface.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a System Transaction Manager.

FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a Speech Recognition and TranscriptionServer (SRTS).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Nomenclature

The following terms and general definitions are used herein to describevarious embodiments of a Speech Recognition and Transcription System(the “System”).

Applications Programming Interface (API) shall mean a set of services orprotocols provided by an operating system to applications (computerprograms) running on microprocessors, as well as a set of services theApplication Service Adapter (ASA) provides to Native ApplicationProtocols. The API may provide services or protocols geared toactivities of a particular industry or group, such as physicians,engineers, lawyers, and the like.

Application Service Adapter (ASA) shall mean the application thatprovides the bi-directional interface between a legacy User protocol andthe System Transaction Manager's uniform System protocol. The ASAprovides those aspects required by legacy application in order to makeuse of Directed Dictation, including monitoring the User InterfaceDevice for changes in output, for example, changes in caret position,and conveying the relative information to the System TransactionManager, as well as the Constrained Recognition and/or StructuredTranscription of an ASR, as well as interface among disparate Users byallowing a User's existing Native Application Protocol and/or NativeCommunications Protocol to communicate with the System TransactionManager, and ultimately, a specific Automated Speech Recognition and/orTranscription Engine (ASR).

Application Service Provider (ASP) or Network Application ServiceProvider shall mean functionality or an entity that providescomputer-based services to customers over a network, includinginterconnecting application software to high accuracy, speechrecognition and/or transcription engines which may exist on acentralized specific server application; or, one of the facilities (PeerNode) in a peer-to-peer network; or, networking as a distributedapplication architecture that partitions functionality, tasks, orworkloads between peers to form a peer-to-peer network of nodes, as wellas the “cloud” computing network configuration. In one aspect, ASPsprovide access to a particular application program using a standardprotocol such as HTTP, HTTPS, and the like.

Audio Data shall mean sounds, which are audible and non-audible,including verbal, tones, clicks, and pauses distinguishable by theSystem from spoken text and usually the basis of an Audio Command. ThisAudio Data can be generated by utterances from the User or tactilegenerated by, for example, depression of a tone key on a mobile phone.The Audio Data is contained in an audio file.

Audio Preprocessor shall mean a processor capable of detecting Audio andNon-Audio Commands in streamed Speech, including verbal Commands andnon-verbal Commands. For example, tones, clicks, silence, or simplenumeric patterns of strings, as well as verbal Commands from thestreamed text. Depending on the System action associated to the detectedCommand, the Audio Preprocessor also segments the spoken text based uponCommands such that segments are able of separate and distinct processingby the System.

Automated Speech Recognition and/or Transcription Engine (ASR) shallmean a process running on a microprocessor that recognizes spoken textand certain ASR directed Commands and performs Constrained Recognitionand/or Structured Transcription of this spoken text in accordance withinstructions from the System Transaction Manager and Audio and Non-AudioCommands.

Buffer shall mean a buffer function such as a temporary storage orretention device able of dynamically accumulating and/or storingstreamed data submitted by a User to allow the System TransactionManager to perform System's functions seamlessly without loss ofstreamed User information and/or to allow ASR to perform ConstrainedRecognition and/or Structured Transcription functions seamlessly withoutloss of streamed User information, while the User perceives nodisruption in Free Form Dictation.

Command shall mean any type of prompt on User's application and/orcontained (Embedded) in a streamed dictated Speech (audio file),including Directed Dictation, which is recognized by the System as aninstruction for controlling and/or configuring a System component, butis not included in the text to be transcribed. For example, Commandsinstruct the System on Formatted Transcription of therecognized/transcribed spoken text from an ASR and can also instruct thedisposition of a Response. For example, a Command might instruct theSystem to place the recognized/transcribed spoken text into a specifiedMicrosoft® Word format; or, a Command might instruct format of therecognized/transcribed spoken text into segments in order to populate atemplate in a Microsoft® Word format. Commands of many types, e.g. AudioCommands and Non-Audio Commands, can be detected by the SystemTransaction Manager, the ASR, or various pre- and sub-components of theSystem. Audio Command shall mean a Command consisting of any Audio Dataor signal in the streamed Speech which is distinguishable by the Systemfrom the spoken text. Non-Audio Commands shall mean Commands Embeddedinto the audio file which are not part of the Audio Data and can beencoded by means such as interleaving. Non-Audio commands can also beSystem generated, for example, in response to the input focus ofDirected Dictation and can be contained in the non-audio portion of theaudio stream (Meta Data) to direct, for example, the ASR. Spoken Commandshall mean a special Audio Command and generally includes verbiagehaving special meaning to the User application and/or one or morecomponents of the System but is not spoken text. A Spoken Command caninclude verbalized words or phrases uttered by the User during streameddictation and Embedded into the Speech (audio file). Tactile Commandsshall mean Commands generated from the keyboard, mouse, foot pedal,microphone keys, and the like and can be audio as a touch tone phone;or, non-audio as in an electronic key stroke. A Tactile Command can alsoinclude touch screen applications or positioning on a visual template,including eye-tracking software.

Constrained Recognition shall mean recognition by the Automated SpeechRecognition and/or Transcription Engine (ASR) which is constrained tothe use of specific dictionaries and/or vocabularies or the like by theSystem Transaction Manager through interaction with the legacy UserInterface Device and/or a remote station and/or User interface actionsand/or User Profile settings or the like in the User Database to enhancerecognition accuracy and/or Dictation Context and/or transcriptionformatting.

Correctionist shall mean a designated operator within the System forcorrecting the transcribed text produced by an ASR.

Correctionist Pool shall mean a pool of Correctionists having particularprogramming applications/capabilities, including, for example, skillsfor correcting legal, medical, and engineering documents within theSystem Transaction Manager.

Database shall mean an indexed data repository, which indexed data mayinclude previously transcribed Free Form or Directed Dictation.Databases include User Databases which are unique to a specific User,including the User Profile and can include User specific pre-programmedSystem responses to Commands for specifying spoken text to the SystemTransaction Manager to facilitate Directed Dictation for a specific Useror group of Users; a System Database operated upon by the SystemTransaction Manager containing general System responses to Commands,including User Profiles, as well as the application pre-programmedResponses to the Commands related to the legacy User protocol andspecific prompts, application, templates, and the like needed tofacilitate Free Form Dictation from the User; and, a Universal Databasewhich is associated with Constrained Recognition and/or StructuredTranscription such as a dictionary or vocabulary and/or DirectedDictation containing generic or specific prompts, templates, and thelike to facilitate Free Form Dictation available for all Users, or aspecific group of Users of the System; and, an ASR Database which isassociated with the ASR through, for example, the SRSA and containsinformation including User Profile, vocabularies/dictionaries and thelike required by the ASR to process the SIR.

Dictation Context shall mean a change in the context of the dictation(Constrained Recognition and/or Structured Transcription) of the spokentext in response to Commands, which are usually Non-Audio Commands.

Directed Dictation shall mean Free Form Dictation of Speech in a mannerto enhance recognition accuracy by identifying differing types of Speechas initiated by the User and/or the System Transaction Manager and/orUser interface, including remote devices, which encompasses Free FormDictation (either live or recorded), wherein Commands, either on UserInterface Device, for example, a programmed PDA; or, prompted bycommunication with the System Transaction Manager, prompt the User todictate on a specific topic and/or utilize a specific vocabulary orotherwise limit the subject matter or the context of the spoken text sothat the content is limited and/or the format structured by the System,including the ASR, prior to entry into the Correctionist Pool and/orfinal document formatting. For example, a medical interface may promptthe User to dictate a “patient history,” and, then, when focus isshifted to the diagnosis by, for example, a User Interface Deviceprompt, the User is reminded to dictate the “diagnosis”. Additionally,the User, by selection of a particular field or grid on the UserInterface Device, such as “prognosis,” commands the System TransactionManager to instruct the ASR to load a selected Constrained Recognitioncontaining vocabularies and/or dictionaries associated with “prognosis”for standard ASR process with selected vocabulary and/or StructuredTranscription of the subsequent spoken text.

Embedded Command shall mean a Command encoded into a Speech stream(audio stream) entered at the User interface either directly bydictation or pre-programming in a legacy User application or prompted tothe User by the System Transaction Manager; or as a Non-Audio Commandencoded by one or more components of the System.

Enrollment shall mean the process of creating a set of interface datafor a particular User with one or more Automated Speech Recognitionand/or Transcription Engines (ASRs) to establish a recognition interfacebetween the specific User and ASR to provide accurate transcription.Extensible Markup Language (XML), VOICE Extensible Markup Language(VXML), and Standardized Generalized Markup Language (SGML) shall meanself-defining data streams that allow embedding of data, descriptionsusing Commands, tags and formatting. XML is a subset of SGML.

Formatted Transcription shall mean the formatting of the spoken texttranscribed by a System component, for example, a Speech RecognitionService Adaptor (SRSA), in response to a Command. For example,formatting may involve placing the transcribed spoken text into aMicrosoft® Word document with file name. Transcription formatting mayrefer to the internal representation of transcribed Speech within theSystem (data structure), or to the external representation of thetranscribed Speech when viewed by Users (visual appearance), or to both,or may be used to populate designated areas of, for example, a formdocument.

Free Form Dictation shall mean streamed Speech uninterrupted by pausesrequired for the System Transaction Manager to access System speechtranscription and/or recognition functions wherein the spoken text is aword stream which imparts a thought or concept to the listener or readerin contrast to words or stock phrases and verbiage used to populate thecells in a form or a drop down menu.

Job shall mean all information contained in a single Speech InformationRequest (SIR) which can be authenticated by a User ID which is treatedby the System Transaction Manager as a single unit of information undera common system identification number even if the Speech is in the formof a continuous stream (Free Form Dictation) rather than a batch.

Meta Data shall mean a segment or block of data used by the System whichcontains Commands, header data, security data, andidentification/verification data. For example, a Resource InterchangeFile Format (RIFF) which is a meta-format for storing labeled chunks ofdata.

Native Application Protocol shall mean a protocol, which a User employsto support interaction with Speech Information Requests (SIRs) andResponses and is native to the legacy User protocol.

Native Communications Protocol shall mean a communications protocol thatthe User employs to support communication within its legacy system. Formany transactions, a User employs the Native Communications Protocol andthe Native Application Protocol to access its core processes, in totalthe legacy User's legacy protocol.

Peer Node shall mean a component, a function, or a layer existing on aUser station in a peer-to-peer network accessible by at least the SystemTransaction Manager to perform System functions which components caninclude an Automated Speech Recognition and/or Transcription Engine(ASR).

Pre-existing Public Communication System shall mean a communicationslink that is accessible to Users and can support electronic transmissionof data. An example includes the Internet, which is a cooperativemessage-forwarding system linking computer networks worldwide.

Real Time shall mean the streaming of information including dictatedSpeech by a User.

Real Time Speech Information Request shall mean a User whose SIRtransactions operate at the highest priority to allow for Real Timetranscription of Speech or at least a streaming of the SIR. When theSystem Transaction Manager receives a Real Time SIR, it immediatelylocates an available ASR capable of the request and establishes abi-directional bridge whereby spoken and transcribed text can bedirectly exchanged between a User and an ASR in Real Time or near RealTime.

Recipient or Receiving User shall mean a User that receives atranscription of a Job or portion thereof.

Requestor or Requesting User shall mean a User that submits Speech fortranscription or a request for transcribed Speech within the System.

Response to a Speech Information Request (SIR) shall mean transcribedspoken text, and Structured Transcription, including FormattedTranscription of transcribed spoken text, and System generated Commandsfor processing the spoken text, for example, on the legacy Userinterface.

Routing shall mean the process of transferring Speech, prompts, andtemplates that can employ either push technology or pull technology,where “push” refers to the Requestor initiating the transfer and “pull”refers to the Recipient or the System initiating the transfer inresponse to a Command.

Speech shall mean spoken text and Audio and Non-Audio Commands, whichthe System can operate upon to provide a transcription of the spokentext, including a Formatted Transcription.

Speech Information Request (SIR) shall mean Speech, which can be actedupon by System components, including the System Transaction Manager, toprovide a transcription of the spoken text, including a FormattedTranscription.

Speech Recognition Service Adapter (SRSA) shall mean an applicationservice adapter layer that communicates with the Automated SpeechRecognition and/or Transcription Engine (ASR) through the combinedvendor independent ASR interface/vendor specific ASR interface andretrieves data from the ASR Database, including User Profile,vocabularies/dictionaries and the like required by the ASR to processthe SIR. The SRSA can perform formatting transcription to yield aFormatted Transcription.

Speech Recognition and Transcription Server (SRTS) shall mean a serverapplication within the System, typically running on a separatemicroprocessor and encompassing any number of ASRs. The SRTS interfacesmultiple ASRs with other System components through multiple links. Eachlink maintains a Job queue from the System Transaction Manager throughone or more SRSAs. The SRSA typically includes two adapters, an AudioPreprocess Adapter and a Speech Recognition Service Adapter (SRSA).

Structured Transcription shall mean transcription of spoken text by theASR which can be constrained to the use of specific dictionaries,vocabularies, or the like by the System Transaction Manager in responseto User Commands, e.g. Directed Dictation or System generated Commandssuch as from a User Profile to enhance transcription context. StructuredTranscription can be processed through Constrained Recognition by aspecific ASR which transcription can be formatted (FormattedTranscription.) For example, Directed Dictation associated with a fieldin a Microsoft® Word medical form for “diagnosis,” Commands the SystemTransaction Manager to initiate Constrained Recognition using a“diagnosis” vocabulary and subsequently use Structured Transcription tostructure the transcribed spoken text associated with the identifiedDirected Dictation in Microsoft® Word format inserted into theappropriate medical form field for “diagnosis.”

Subscriber shall mean an entity, whether a User or not, which isauthorized to employ transactions on the System.

System Transaction Manager shall mean a System's application thatprovides a central interconnect point (hub) and a communicationsinterface among System components and Users having disparate orheterogeneous protocols; and, an information router (or bridge orswitch) within the System that manages the scheduling/routing ofJobs/audio streams, the proper Automated Speech Recognition and/orTranscription Engine (ASR) selection, and managing of User Profiles andprocessing of feedback of Command actions, as well as the SpeechInformation Request (SIR) and the Response.

Updating a User Profile shall mean a User Profile update from documents,dictionaries, Commands, pronunciation files, and further User trainingfor the purpose of improving recognition accuracy and updating Databasescontaining specific User Commands.

User shall mean an entity that uses services provided by the System. AUser may also be a Subscriber.

User Identification (ID) shall mean a System identifier, which is usedto uniquely identify a particular User and its legacy protocol.

User Interface Device shall mean a device (hardware and software) whichprovides the human machine interface between the User and the System.User Interface Device is part of the legacy User system.

User Profile shall mean a dataset generated by a User enrolling on aspecific ASR and required by an ASR to process User's Speechrecognition. The User Profile includes User specific dictionaries,Commands, pronunciation files, User Command Database, and the like.

User Service Adapter shall mean a specific Application Service Adapter(ASA) that handles formatting and Routing of Speech Information Requests(SIRs) and Responses to elements of a User's protocol within the System.

Virtual Sound Driver shall mean a System device or application whichfacilitates the use of ASRs regardless of the ASR's ability to recognizeand/or transcribe spoken text from any input source such as, forexample, a live microphone or line input. The output of the spoken textfrom the Virtual Sound Driver is in a data format which simulates ormimics that of the input from any input source such as, for example, alive microphone or line source. This results in the ASR, upon receivingthe spoken text from the Virtual Sound Driver, to process it as if itwere generated by any input source such as, for example, a livemicrophone or line source, regardless of the actual originating source.

Overview

Processes, methods and systems herein disclosed and claimed facilitateFree Form Dictation, including Directed Dictation, as well asConstrained Recognition and/or Structured Transcription among Usershaving heterogeneous System protocols (legacy User protocol). The Systemcomprises computer based components, some of which run on amicroprocessor(s), including indexed Databases and User InterfaceDevices application and protocols. Broadly, the System and methodsdisclosed herein provide for seamlessly providing Commands (Audio andNon-Audio) (System or User generated), including those generated as partof Directed Dictation, which can be live (streamed) or stored, allowingdisparate Users to selectively use and command robust ASRs using FreeForm Dictation, while experiencing no system delay or dictationinterruption for System input of the SIR and Response when using alegacy User protocol.

A System Transaction Manager identifies Commands in the User streamed orstored dictation; and, if necessary, causes the Speech stream to be“buffered” or otherwise paused and “rewound”, in order to execute theCommands and thereby transcribe the spoken text through very robust ASRsusing Constrained Recognition in a seamless manner without perceivedinterruption of the dictating session by the User. The System providesseamless Constrained Recognition and Structured Transcription, includingFormatted Transcription of spoken text and other information amonglegacy Users, while utilizing different indexed Databases and ASRs tointeroperate complex Commands and uses stored data, “on the fly,” tostructure the transcription and otherwise frame and cull the transcribedproduct such that it requires less User and/or Correctionist time to“clean up” the product. Not only is the instant System more “userfriendly,” it reduces the human interface time required to render thetranscribed product usable even by way of disparate legacy User systems.

The System thus provides seamless recognition and/or transcription ofFree Form Dictation, including Directed Dictation; and, access amongUsers of verbal streamed and/or transcribed spoken text and/or otherinformation, wherein the initiation of Directed Dictation can be eitherUser interface or System directed. By means of Commands (Audio andNon-Audio), which are acted upon by the System Transaction Managerand/or the ASR, the System provides the legacy User a streamed, seamlessinterface dictation experience, while utilizing multiple and varioushighly functional and robust Automated Recognition and/or Transcriptionengines (ASRs), as well as structured vocabularies and dictionaries,which include providing information from various indexed Databases,including User Databases and Universal Database. An authorized User,using a legacy User protocol, can seamlessly access User Profiles,Subscriber information, as well as affecting changes in response toCommands, including ASRs, vocabulary, dictionaries, and DirectedDictation prompts and templates, as well as Enrollment, includingseamlessly Updating the User Profile.

The System further provides for authorized legacy Users and orSubscribers to access the System and route the transcribed spoken text(Response) to another User (authorized or not) or back to itself. Thus,the User can seamlessly dictate (Free Form); receive transcription(Response), including Formatted Transcription, in accordance with theCommands and Routing by the System to a designated Recipient,irrespective of the disparity of the legacy User protocol and/or theSystem protocol.

The System, which can generally be classified as an ASP, comprises aSystem Transaction Manager running on a microprocessor for receiving averified, streamed Speech Information Request (SIR) from at least oneverified User, who also may be a Subscriber. The entry of such SIR opensa Job. The SIR can take the form of Directed Dictation containing spokentext and/or other information to be obtained or transcribed anddisseminated to other Users on the System, or a request for previouslytranscribed Speech and/or other information assessable to the System,such as a User Profile.

A Speech Information Request (SIR) comprises Free Form Dictation whichcan be Directed Dictation (which includes spoken text and Audio andNon-Audio Commands) using a first legacy User protocol which may beprocessed through an ASA to the uniform System protocol. The SystemTransaction Manager upon receipt of the SIR creates a Job and inaccordance with contained and stored Commands to configure the System toprocess the Job, including the requirement for Directed Dictation and/orConstrained Recognition and/or Structured Transcription through promptsand/or templates stored within a Database or on the legacy User system,process the SIR.

The System Transaction Manager, which in communication with all SystemASRs, generates a Speech Information Request (SIR) in a uniform Systemprotocol which is processed, if needed, through an SRSA and forwarded tothe Automated Speech Recognition and/or Transcription Engine (ASR). TheASR, upon receiving the Speech Information Request (SIR) from the SystemTransaction Manager, generates a transcription of the Speech which isreturned in the form of a transcribed Response. If there is arequirement for Constrained Recognition and/or Structured Transcription,the ASR is directed to load a specific vocabulary, and/or dictionary forrecognition and transcription either by the System Transaction Manageror Embedded Command in the Speech directed at the ASR. The SIR containsCommands which instruct the System, dynamically, regarding ConstrainedRecognition and/or Structured Transcription. These Commands are eitheracted upon by the System Transaction Manager or the designated ASRdepending upon the Commands.

The transcribed Response is transmitted to the System TransactionManager through the Speech Recognition Service Adapter (SRSA), ifnecessary, which routes the Response to one or more of the Users,including, without limitation, the User that generated the SIR employinga second legacy User protocol, which may be the same as, or differentthan, the first legacy User protocol. If a Formatted Response isrequired, the System Transaction Manager directs a post-processingSystem component to format the transcribed spoken text in accordancewith the specified Command to produce the Formatted Dictation.

The System Transaction Manager utilizes a uniform System protocol forprocessing the SIR and the transcribed Response. Subscribers to theSystem (who may also be Users) have identifying codes, carried in MetaData which are recognizable by the System for authorizing a Systemtransaction to create a Job. Thus, for System security and/or billingpurposes, at least one Subscriber through the Subscriber's (User's) IDis required by the System to be involved in creating a Job.

In accordance with the instant method for exchanging transcribed spokentext and or information captured by Free Form Dictation which includesDirected Dictation, among Users who may employ disparate legacy Userprotocols, a Speech Information Request (SIR) is generated and/or arequest for previously transcribed speech and/or other informationthrough a first legacy User protocol and conveyed to the SystemTransaction Manager. The SIR is transmitted to the ASR through theSystem Transaction Manager using a Speech Recognition Service Adapter(SRSA) compatible with an ASR. The method also includes generating atranscribed Response to the SIR, using the ASR and transmitting thetranscribed Response to a User via the System Transaction Manager,including a Constrained Recognition and/or Structured Transcription, ifrequired, and providing the User with the transcription from the ASR ora Formatted Transcription from, for example, the SRSA. The Response iscompatible with a second legacy User protocol that may be the same as ordifferent than the first legacy User protocol.

According to the method, the Speech Information Request (SIR) which caninclude a request for previously transcribed speech and/or otherinformation is generated using a first User (Application) ServiceAdapter (ASA.) The method includes transmitting the SIR to a SpeechRecognition and/or Transcription Engine (ASR), which may have yet adifferent Speech recognition protocol through a Speech RecognitionService Adapter (SRSA) via a System Transaction Manager and generating atranscribed Response to the Speech Information Request (SIR) using theASR. The Formatted Transcription Response to the Speech InformationRequest (SIR) is transmitted to the System Transaction Manager via theSRSA and the Formatted Transcription Response is returned to the SystemTransaction Manager. The System Transaction Manager using a second ASA,conveys the Formatted Transcription to the User included in the Responsethrough a separate User Service Adapter. The Response containing theFormatted Transcription so transmitted is compatible with a second Userprotocol that may be the same as or different than the first Userprotocol.

Turning to the Figures, there is shown in FIG. 1 a schematic drawingshowing the System as an Application Service Provider (ASP) or NetworkApplication Service Provider, which provides computer-based services toUsers over a network, including interconnecting application software tohigh accuracy ASRs, including ASRs providing Constrained Recognitionand/or Structured Transcription.

Individual Users 22 having distinct legacy User protocols communicatewith the Speech Recognition and Transcription System 20 via acommunications link 24. Any User 22 who is authorized can requesttranscription of spoken text or other stored and generated Systeminformation; and, any User 22 may be the Recipient of transcribed spokentext and such other stored and generated System information. Asdescribed in detail below, the Speech Recognition and TranscriptionSystem 20 includes a System Transaction Manager, which transfers MetaData and Speech (spoken text and Commands) among Users 22, and one ormore ASRs which may exist on a centralized specific server applicationsuch as a Speech Recognition and Transcription Server (SRTS); or, one ofthe facilities (Peer Node) in a peer-to-peer network; or, networking asa distributed application architecture that partitions functionality,tasks, or workloads between peers to form a peer-to-peer network ofnodes, as well as the “cloud” computing network configuration. In oneaspect, ASPs provide access to a particular application program using astandard protocol such as HTTP.

The System Transaction Manager, as a central element of the System, maycomprise more than one physical and/or functional elements and amulti-tiered System Transaction Manager may be practical in someapplications. In one embodiment, the System Transaction Managercommunicates with at least one User (Application) Service Adapter (ASA)(see FIG. 3), which provides an interface between the System TransactionManager and a protocol that a User 22 employs to generate spoken textand Commands. The System 20 may also include one or more User ServiceAdapters 80 (see FIG. 3) that process formatting of informationincluding Formatted Transcription and Routing 114 of information betweenthe Application Service Adapters 80 and the System Transaction Manager30′ (bi-directional). This bi-directional communication facilitates, forexample, System Transaction Manager's initiation of User interfaceprompts for Directed Dictation.

Communication links 24 include communication interface between the Users22 and the System 20, which can be, for example, a public communicationssystem, such as the Internet. Each User 22 has a User Identification(ID) for authentication and identification purposes, includingidentifying a Subscriber as fully explained below. According to oneaspect, at least one User in any SIR transaction (Job) must be aSubscriber to the System. Thus, the Subscriber is an authorizing agentthat permits the SIR transaction (Job) access to the System 20.

Speech to be transcribed, containing spoken text and Audio and Non-AudioCommands, when generated as Free Form Dictation and captured by asuitable User Interface Device using the legacy User protocol (NativeCommunications protocol and Native Communications protocol), iscommunicated to the System Transaction Manager in a manner as set out inmore detail below. In one embodiment, the Speech can be generated by theUser employing Directed Dictation which increases not only the Responsetime of the System, but the accuracy and usefulness of the Response asset out below.

As part of at least one User Interface Device, the Speech is input intothe System using any well-known methods and devices for capturing audiosignals. For example, spoken text can be acquired using a microphonecoupled to an A/D converter, which converts an analog audio signalrepresenting the spoken text and Commands (Audio and Non-Audio) to adigital signal that is subsequently processed using, for example, adedicated digital signal processor or a general-purpose microprocessor.For a discussion of the acquisition of audio signals for Speechrecognition, transcriptions, and editing, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,447 toHolt et al., which is herein incorporated by reference in its entiretyand for all purposes.

The skilled artisan will realize that many audio input sources can beused by the User in accordance with the instant System. These inputs arecapable of processing aspects involving population of User Profiles(both System and ASR), Enrollment, User and System Command Databases inaddition to providing means of recording Speech and processing documentretrieval, including a Response. These include applications that providethe minimum capability of recording Speech and streaming audio to theSystem Transaction Manager; telephony using a telephone line (includingwireless) that provides audio and drop down menus that allow a User tonavigate through choices such as those that allow a User to enter itsID, record Speech, review and edit the Speech, submit the audiorecording to the System Transaction Manager, and update the UserProfile; and recorders, including hand-held which are capable ofrecording Speech and of transferring the recording to a computerdirectly, as well as with the use of an A/D converter.

As better seen in FIG. 2, the System 20 involves interface between aUser 22 and the System Transaction Manager 30, as well as an interfacebetween System Transaction Manager 30 and ASR 32 (or multiple ASRs). TheUser 22 System Transaction Manager 30 interface 24 is a bi-directionallink which allows User 22 direct communication (through an ASAinterface) with System Transaction Manager 30 which is instrumental infacilitating Free Form Dictation and, more importantly, DirectedDictation. Communication link 24 provides Real Time interaction andinterface between System Transaction Manager 30 and User 22 such thatSystem Transaction Manager 30 can interact with the User 22 InterfaceDevice during Free Form Dictation. In this manner, System TransactionManager 30 has “hands on” involvement in the structure and generation ofthe content of the SIR during actual dictation of Speech.

Likewise, the bi-directional communication link 24 between the SystemTransaction Manager 30 and the ASR(s) 32 provides dynamic interface 24between the System Transaction Manager 30 and one or more ASRs 32 duringrecognition/transcription of the SIR to afford System 20 highercapability of series and/or parallel utilization of ASRs 32 havingdifferent input requirements and/or recognition/transcriptioncapabilities.

In one embodiment, an Applicant, in order to become a User of the ASPSystem, initially must subscribe to the service receiving a User ID,account codes, billing instructions, and the like through legacy Userprotocol. Once the interaction between User 22 and System TransactionManager 30 is established, the User 22 populates a User Profile which isused for a myriad of purposes within the System and may, for example,contain ASR Enrollment data, if required, pronunciation dictionarypopulation, User Command Database population and the like. This initialtransaction is accomplished through a special SIR to facilitate theinterface and is not to be transcribed, even if populated by using vocal(microphone or line) input.

As part of this initial transaction, various User Interface Devices arealso registered so that during Directed Dictation, the SystemTransaction Manager can efficiently, for example, use bi-directionalprompts directed to a specific User interface when the User interfacelogs on to the System.

In operation, to produce a System transcription of the User generatedSpeech, which comprises spoken text and Commands, including Audio andNon-Audio Commands, using a User's 22 existing (legacy) protocol a SIRis created. Through a first User Service Adapter, the System TransactionManager transfers the SIR to an appropriate ASR through an ASR ASA, ifnecessary. The ASR generates a Response to the Speech InformationRequest (SIR), which includes a Formatted Transcription of the spokentext. Using the SRSA, the Response is transferred to the SystemTransaction Manager. Through a second User Service Adapter, which may bethe same or different than the first, the System Transaction Managertransfers the Response to one or more of the Users 22 with atranscription that is compatible with its particular (legacy) protocol.The Requesting User 22 and the Receiving User 22 may be the same User ora different User or a number of Users may receive the Response.Likewise, the SIR may be for Speech previously transcribed and stored ina Database. The System Transaction Manager employs a uniform or “system”protocol capable of processing SIRs and Responses expressed in astandard or normalized data format. The only requisite for this protocolis that it is convertible (by an ASA) into the legacy User protocoland/or any System Speech Recognition and Transcription Engines (ASRs)protocol.

As set forth above, the User and/or Application Service Adapters are thesame when the User 22 requesting a transcription of spoken text alsoreceives the transcribed spoken text, provided the application recordingthe Speech is the same as the application receiving the transcribedspoken text. In many cases, a User Application Service Adapter willreside on the User's 22 workstation/workgroup legacy computer system. Insuch cases, the System 20 can employ sets of different User ApplicationService Adapters (ASAs) and User Service Adapters to facilitate transferof information between two Users 22, even though they may use similarprotocols.

Turning to FIG. 2, there is shown a simplified block diagram containingprocessing and flow of information among Users 22 and components of theSystem 20 of FIG. 1. For clarity, the System 20 shown in FIG. 2 includesa representative User 22, System Transaction Manager 30, SpeechRecognition and Transcription Engine 32, and communications links 24. Itshould be understood, however, that the System 20 would ordinarilyinclude multiple Users, multiple SARs, and communications links, andwould in certain embodiments include more than one System TransactionManger, i.e. a tiered/server/clustered system with System TransactionMangers communicating among themselves in a tiered/server/clusteredarrangement. The System 20 includes numerous other System components,applications, and Databases. Users 22 normally access the SystemTransaction Manager 30 by sending a SIR which can include a request forstored Speech information that includes the User's 22 identification(ID) which can also be a Subscriber's ID if the User is a Subscriber.Each transaction must include a Subscriber, whether the Subscriberactually requests or receives information relating to that transactionor not. An authenticated SIR is processed by opening a Job by the SystemTransaction Manager 30 as further described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the System 20 includes processes that enable a User22 to generate a dynamic streamed SIR 34 and transmit 36 the SIR to theSystem Transaction Manager 30. The System Transaction Manager 30receives 38 the SIR, processes 40 the SIR, and transmits 42 the SIR tothe appropriate Speech Recognition and Transcription Engine 32. The ASR32 includes processes for receiving 44 the SIR, for processing andgenerating a Response 46 to the SIR (e.g., for transcribing the Speech),and for transmitting 48 the Response (e.g., transcribed Speech) back tothe System Transaction Manager 30. The System Transaction Manager 30receives 50 the Response, processes 52 the Response, and transmits 54the Response to the User 22, which, may access System 20 processes thatenable it to receive 56 the Response and to process 58 the Response tothe SIR. This is all facilitated by use of authentication routines,certain protocol adapters, and User Profiles, as will be furtherexplained.

User Input to the System (Free Form Dictation)

User inputs Speech and other information into the System via a UserInterface Device. The majority of this input is accomplished throughFree Form Dictation, including population of Databases and the like. TheSystem, by means of the Transaction Manager, has bi-directionalcommunication with the User through the User Interface Device. In thismanner, applications can run on the User Interface Device using legacyUser protocol in order to provide dictation prompts to the User whichare managed and maintained primarily within the legacy User protocol,for example, on a server or workstation. These prompts are intended as ahuman machine interface, wherein the User is prompted to direct,constrain and otherwise structure the subject matter and content of thedictation.

Contrawise, using the bi-directional communication (through the ASA),the System is able to populate the User Interface Device prompts withdata retained, stored, or retrieved by the System Transaction Manager inresponse to a Command. For example, when a User logs on using a UserInterface Device, an automatic handshake is established with the SystemTransaction Manager; and, the System Transaction Manager is instructedas to all of the retained aspects and requirements associated with thatparticular User Interface Device.

The User, by combining prompts generated by legacy User protocol and theSystem Transaction Manager, in response to either sent or storedCommands, can use Free Form Dictation to enter Speech into the Systemvia the User Interface Device.

Free Form Dictation is a concept and functionality that is viewed fromthe point of view of the User. The User, by using the system of promptsand/or guides described above, can interact with the User InterfaceDevice to create a stream of dictated Speech in a conversational mannerto convey or impart a thought, idea or concept to the listener or readeruninterrupted by pauses required for the system behind the Userinterface to access and carry out the functional instructions in amanner so that the speaker is virtually unaware of the workings andrequirements of the System.

In addition, the System Transaction Manager, in order to process thisFree Form Dictation and, more specifically, Directed Dictation, mustitself possess a set of capabilities and operate in a rather uniquefashion with internal System components, as well as the number ofgeneral and specialized ASRs able of interface with System TransactionManager on the network. This is especially true when an ASP is able ofseamless interface with Users using diverse legacy User protocols.

This interface between System Transaction Manager and one or more ASRenables the System to produce Constrained Recognition and/or StructuredTranscription solely using the spoken text and Commands of the SIRproduced using Directed Dictation.

Audio and Non-Audio Commands

As stated above, the Speech input to the System is accomplished by aUser/System interface (User Interface Device). The ability of the Systemto recognize and transcribe Free Form Dictation depends upon two aspectsof User/System interface. The first is the interaction of the User withthe User Interface Device; and, the second is the dynamic interaction ofthe User Interface Device with the System Transaction Manager through anASA by means of bi-directional communication. The first is accomplishedby the User purposefully constraining the subject matter of thedictation as prompted by the legacy User protocol which is eitherstatically hard-wired or exists on an application running on the legacyUser protocol. Thus, in response to particular legacy User protocolprompts displayed on or communicated to the User by means of the UserInterface Device, the User can constrain the dictation in accordancewith the prompts. The second involves interaction (bi-directional)between the System Transaction Manager and the User Interface Device,whereby the System Transaction Manager, in response to, for example, thelogon of a particular User Interface Device populated the User InterfaceDevice by use of stored and/or acquired System User information.Likewise, the User, by specific interaction through the User InterfaceDevice, is able to request from the System a specific prompt population,display, grid, or the like, which can be produced by way of the UserInterface Device.

The above functionality is accomplished at least in the bi-directionalcommunication by Commands, which are carried in the Speech audio streamand/or are pre-programmed into User's interface and/or System files,e.g. User's Database containing User Profiles, or the like. As set forthabove, Audio Commands (Spoken or Tactile) generate an audio signaldistinguishable by the User interface and/or the System TransactionManager and/or the ASR from spoken text which are carried in the audiostream. Non-Audio Commands are inserted into the audio stream but arenot part of the Audio Data and can comprise encoded or interleaved data,including Meta Data. The non-Audio Data is stored in segments.

In addition, the Free Form Dictation Speech contains various Commandswhich instruct the System Transaction Manager to institute apre-programmed set of actions directed at System components and not theUser Interface Device. These actions may involve inclusion of UserDatabases, Universal Database, specific ASRs, and/or vocabulary and/ordictionaries, and the like, selection of templates to facilitate theSystem's processing of the Directed Dictation Speech. In this manner,the streamed SIR created by Directed Dictation contains Commandsembedded therein which the System Transaction Manager reads and carriesout “on the fly” to yield Constrained Recognition and/or StructuredTranscription, including Formatted Transcription.

In operation, the User's response to the prompts on the User InterfaceDevice, as well as the Speech generated in response to these prompts,provide Commands such that the System Transaction Manager can configurethe System to provide Constrained Recognition and/or StructuredTranscription of the spoken text. This eliminates superfluous spokentext normally associated with non-constrained or Free Form Dictation andincreases the efficiency of the System in processing the SIR containingDirected Dictation to provide a better transcribed work product whichcan also be formatted (Formatted Transcription).

For example, when a cursor on the User Interface Device is placed in aspecific location on, for example, a form, this action embeds a Commandfor the System to use a specific vocabulary (Constrained Recognition).Further, a 2-dimentional schematic diagram of an aircraft enginedisplayed on the User Interface Device can generate Tactile Commands bythe User touching a location on the schematic diagram to generatespecific templates and/or vocabulary for the System. 3-dimentionalmodels, such as the human anatomy, can also be used to constrain anddirect dictation. For example, sensors can be placed on portions of the3-dimentional models that generate Commands when activated whichspecify, for example, specific ASRs and/or vocabulary. Thus, activatingthe sensors in the heart area of 3-dimentional model designates cardiacreferences for the System, while activating sensors in the foot areadesignates, for example, podiatrist's vocabulary to the System. In thismanner, input is directed such that the User keying on the particularprompt can dictate Directed Dictation aimed at a diagnosis, a treatment,insurance record, or the like. In this manner, the structure of thedictation actually activates the System, as well as provides structurefor the dictation (Directed Dictation.)

This embodiment provides even greater functionality for the System inthat Embedded Commands can include instructions to the SystemTransaction Manager contained in the Speech stream of the SIR whichallows the System Transaction Manager to segment the streamed Speech andprocess the Job either in series or in parallel through various ASRs,vocabularies, dictionaries, and the like. For example, an application onthe User Interface Device which transmits a Command transmitted to theSystem upon the User Interface Device logon identifies the UserInterface Device and allows the System to obtain the requisite profileand Enrollment data associated with that device for insertion into theSIR.

Directed Dictation uses Commands to not only structure the input (SIR),but also the output (Response) of the System. For example, an AudioCommand inserted by the legacy User protocol into the Speech after aUser selects a new form field on the User Interface Device directs theSystem Transaction Manager to queue a particular ASR and/or vocabulary(Constrained Recognition) and/or particular processing of transcribedspoken text (Structured Transcription) and/or placing the transcribedspoken text into a particular format (Formatted Transcription). This isparticularly useful for dictation using a touch tone phone, where eachnumber key can be assigned a function.

Thus, the System is instructed to perform certain tasks or accesscertain functionalities upon reading a Command. The exact Systemcomponent for carrying out the Command is contained within the Command.A Command can be carried out by the legacy User protocol and/or theSystem Transaction Manager and/or the ASR according to the instructionsassociated with a specific Command. A Command is associated with oneinstruction, so as not to introduce ambiguity. Commands can also bedefined for “User groups” and as a universal default that could beoverridden by the User for specific applications. In one embodiment, aCommand is associated with an indexed Database. A lookup is made intothe set of Commands in the updated Commands Database for a match. Once amatch is found, the instruction associated with the Command isprocessed.

As can be seen, use of Directed Dictation reduces the “garbagein-garbage out” problems associated with pure Free Form Dictation.Additionally, Constrained Recognition enhances the recognition accuracyby matching the dictated words to the optimum ASR, as well asvocabularies for that ASR resulting enhanced recognition accuracy.

Another advantage of Directed Dictation is that it provides heretoforenot available System flexibility and autonomy in processing dictatedSpeech. Based on System's rules, either within the System or existing inthe legacy User protocol, the System Transaction Manager can parse,rout, and instruct System components regarding a complete Job. Forexample, selecting and processing the dictation using the mostappropriate ASR for the subject matter being dictated; selecting andprocessing the dictation with Constrained Recognition using a specialtyvocabulary as directed by the User or the User Interface Device promptsproper processing of the Structured Transcription of the transcribedtext and/or formatting the transcribed text to produce a FormattedTranscription.

In another embodiment, the System can be configured such that all Speechis recognized within a Dictation Context. In accordance with thisaspect, Directed Dictation and/or Constrained Recognition and/orStructured Transcription can be preset in Response to a specific set ofCommands which are usually Non-Audio. The Dictation Context includeselements from the legacy User protocol, the User Interface Device, UserProfile associated with the recognition of the spoken text, includingvocabulary, User Enrollment, spoken language, preferred Automated SpeechRecognition and/or Transcription Engine (ASR), Correctionist,Correctionist Pool, and the like. In this manner, a preset set ofconditions for recognition and transcription of spoken text can beinstantly programmed into the System. This is particularly useful whenforms or other repetitive documents must be populated by Speechdictation. This allows a User to engage in Directed Dictation (FreeForm) for otherwise tedious transcription task.

It will be realized by the skilled artisan that a number of Commands canbe used to narrowly direct dictation and yield a cleaner transcriptionproduct by use of these various input schemes.

System Input to the ASR

As previously stated, the System, using the System Transaction Managerallows the operation of the system behind the User Interface Device tooperate efficiently and process SIRs effectively to increase accuracyand utility of the transcribed Response. This System operation is inmany respects separate and apart from the User interface and for themost part it is carried on without knowledge or interaction with theUser. This is especially true for SIRs not requiring Real Timetranscription processing.

ASRs have varying characteristics and requirements for their effectiveutilization. For example, some ASRs will not accept other thanmicrophone or line input. Others do not operate upon streamed Speech andrequire batching of the dictated Speech files. Further, in order toeffectively utilize all of the capability of the System, the SystemTransaction Manager must be able to switch ASRs “on the fly” in responseto Commands embedded in the streamed Speech as, for example, when theUser is prompted to change the subject matter and/or processing of theSpeech by the User Interface Device. Further, in order to process manyprioritized Jobs (SIRs), the System Transaction Manager needs to be ableto process large Jobs though a number of ASRs in parallel, whileretaining the exact location and progress of each of the segments parsedto a number of ASRs simultaneously (in parallel).

When a single Job requires multiple ASRs in series, the SystemTransaction Manager must have a way of “marking” the Speech stream andbuffering the continuous stream, while the set up and communication witha new ASR having, for example, new vocabulary, is established.

Virtual Sound Driver

In order to take advantage of particular and specific capabilities ofvarious ASRs, the System must interface with these engines in a dynamicmanner which requires the change of use of a particular ASR and/or aparticular vocabulary “on the fly.” In one embodiment, the Systememploys a Virtual Sound Driver for streaming Free Form Dictation fromthe System Transaction Manger to any ASR, regardless of the ASR'sinability to recognize and/or transcribe spoken text other than from,for example, a live microphone or line, as well as batched audio files.In this embodiment, the System Transaction Manager sends spoken text andCommands to the ASR by way of the Virtual Sound Driver. The VirtualSound Driver outputs the spoken text (digitized) in a data format whichsimulates or mimics that of the input from any input source such as, forexample, a live microphone or line source. This results in the ASR, uponreceiving the spoken text from the Virtual Sound Driver, processing itas if it were generated by any input source such as, for example, a livemicrophone or line source, regardless of the actual originating source.

The Virtual Sound Driver can accept input audio data, for example, bystreaming or reading from an audio file, thus allowing any engine toprocess stored audio data, even when the recognition engine's API doesnot directly support processing an audio file. Thus, the Virtual SoundDriver advantageously can accept input audio data by receiving data froma live network connection using any protocol, thereby allowing streamingof audio data directly without having to first store the data or fromstored data. In this manner, the audio data can be transcribed in RealTime or near Real Time as the speaker is dictating.

Constrained Recognition

In another embodiment, the ASR is commanded to configure such that itwill accept constraints on recognition and/or structures ontranscriptions for information that is limited to a specific prompt onthe User Interface Device. In accordance with this embodiment, a dynamicvocabulary/dictionary stored in the ASR Database is indexed to recognizethe prompt. Thus, when the User or the System activates the particularprompt on the User Interface Device, the ASR recognizes the constraintsand/or structure required, as well as the vocabulary in the SIRtransferred to the ASR by the System Transaction Manager. The prompt canbe activated by the User or the System using any means heretoforedisclosed, including, for example, eye movement into a grid or tone froma telephony device. Thus, in accordance with this embodiment, the ASR isable to provide dynamic Constrained Recognition and/or StructuredTranscription for Users of the System who employ the particular prompt.

Buffer Function

The Buffer (Buffer function) of the instant System can be any of thedevices or applications known in the art for storing and holdinginformation on a temporary basis. The Buffer device or function is ableof dynamically accumulating and/or storing streamed data submitted bythe User or the ASR in either Real Time or from storage to allow theSystem Transaction Manager to perform System's functions seamlesslywithout loss of streamed User information and/or to allow ASR to performConstrained Recognition and/or Structured Transcription functionsseamlessly without loss of streamed Real Time or near Real Time SIR Userinformation, while the online User perceives no disruption in Free FormDictation.

The Buffer is activated by the System Transaction Manager's response toa Command either in a Database or embedded in the audio file. Uponactivation, the System Transaction Manager identifies the beginning ofthe storage such that the stored portion is seamlessly placed back intothe SIR. In another embodiment, the Buffer is used to retain Speech,including that produced by Free Form Dictation for ASRs that areincapable of accepting continuous streamed Audio Data, i.e. they arebatch processors. This embodiment is extremely useful for processinglong User sessions, such as, for example, in a court room.

The SRSA and the ASA

The User ASA provides a bi-directional translation service between theUser's Native Communications Protocols/Native Application Protocols anda uniform System protocol used by the System Transaction Manager.Examples of the ASA include recording Audio Data, inserting recognizedtext into the application document editor, providing a User interfacefor editing the User Profiles, transmitting the streamed Audio Data tothe System Transaction Manager, receiving the transcription document orrecognition result, User processing of Embedded Commands in the Responsegenerated by the System Transaction Manager, inserting Embedded Commandsin the User system in support of Directed Dictation, and the like.

To accommodate yet another System protocol used by the ASR, a SpeechRecognition Service Adapter (SRSA) communicates with the SystemTransaction Manager and the ASR to provide a designated engine with aSIR, which is compatible with the engines and a Response compatible withthe System Transaction Manager's protocol. This SRSA processesformatting the transcribed spoken text received from the SystemTransaction Manager for ASR interface, as well as the Response receivedfrom an ASR into or from a System protocol or a legacy User protocolused by the User and/or the System Transaction Manager. Formattingincludes such items as converting raw text to RTF, HTML, and the likeinterpreting and applying Commands, populating any specified forms ortemplates and/or protocol conversion. SRSA also can be used to produceFormatted Transcription directly from the ASR.

Databases

The Databases used by the System, without limitation, comprise fourgeneral types, each of which is an indexed information repository ableof access by the System Transaction Manager and/or other Systemcomponents in response to specific Commands which can be User generatedor System generated and can include previously transcribed Free FormDictation and/or Directed Dictation.

The ASR Database, which is associated with the ASR through, for example,the SRSA, contains information, including User Profile, Enrollment,vocabularies/dictionaries and the like required by the ASR to process aSIR or Real Time SIR.

System Database operated upon by the System Transaction Manager containsgeneral System responses to Commands, including User Profiles. A SystemDatabase maintained by the System and interfaced by the SystemTransaction Manager allows information to be obtained by the System toperform System oriented housekeeping, administrative, and various otherSystem related tasks.

The Universal Database, which can include, for example, languagedictionaries, phraseology and/or vocabulary, which are generic tospecific professions such as, for example, medical or law, is availablefor use by all Users and/or all System components, including the SystemTransaction Manager. This Database can contain a set of specific forms,templates, or the like to facilitate Free Form Dictation. In oneembodiment, the Universal Database is associated with ConstrainedRecognition and/or Structured Transcription. In this embodiment,specific dictionary or vocabulary associated with Directed Dictation isretained, as well as generic or specific prompts, templates, and thelike to facilitate Directed Dictation which is available for all Users,or a specific group of Users of the System. The Universal Database canbe populated with System Commands to implement a number of coordinatedactions within the ASR. Universal databases are populated generally incoordination with the System administration or upon request of a User orgroup of Users.

User Databases, which are unique to a specific User, include the UserProfile and can include User specific pre-programmed System responses toCommands for facilitating Directed Dictation. The User Database islocated on the legacy User System and/or the System Transaction Manager,but is available system-wide to all System components which need accessto User specific information. The User Database can also containspecific template, instructions and prompts for use with DirectedDictation.

These formats may include specific templates which direct the User FreeForm Dictation Speech to specific formats for Directed Dictation and/orStructured Recognition instructing the System Transaction Manager toaccess particular ASRs and/or specific dictionary and/or vocabulary.

Correctionist and Correctionist Pool

Using its preferred application, the Correctionist operates within theworkflow of the System such that after a Job is processed fortranscription, it remains in a Correctionist Pool queue maintained bythe System Transaction Manager awaiting processing by a Correctionist.Following correction, the Job is returned to the System TransactionManager for transfer to a Requesting User or the Recipient User or anynumber of other specified Users. Other than having special permissions,the Correctionist interacts with the System in the same manner as aUser. Correctionist permissions are granted on the basis ofCorrectionist Pools. A Correctionist Pool maintains its own Job queueand is administered by a pool manager. The programming applicationsrestrict which Jobs are accepted for processing by the CorrectionistPool. The Correctionist Pool manager adds or deletes Correctionistsbased upon the programming applications. Depending on how theCorrectionist Pool is configured, the Correctionist Pool manager may beinvolved in every Job processed by the Correctionists.

Generation of the Speech Information Request (SIR)

Turning again to the figures, the User 22 as shown in FIG. 2, generates34 a Speech Information Request (SIR), which includes spoken text andCommands and may be a Real Time SIR. Alternatively, the SIR can comprisea request for previously transcribed and stored information. As notedearlier, the System 20 preferably utilizes a Normalized Data Format,which can be used as the System protocol by the System TransactionManager 30. The Speech Information Request (SIR) includes aninformational header and a formatted message portion (Meta Data). Theheader, the Meta Data, or both the header and the Meta Data may containsystem Routing information, which includes, for example, the RequestingUser's 22 identification and meta addresses of a Recipient User 22, orof a particular ASR 32. The System Transaction Manager 30 uses theidentification information to ensure that the User 22 is authorized touse the System 20 and, preferably, simultaneously verifies that aSubscriber has authorized the transaction.

Generation of the SIR 34 is by Free Form Dictation which is producedusing legacy User protocol. Alternatively, the SIR can be stored on aSystem Database. The generation is a language-independent configurableset of services written in a high-level language such as C, C++, Java,and the like, which allows a User 22 to “plug” its existing applicationsoftware and hardware into the System 20 to generate 34 the SIR. A User22 can generate 34 the SIR in Real Time or offline for later submissionas a batch Job. Likewise, the User 22 may employ a User Interface Devicesuch as mobile wireless phone, which provides, for example, a wirelessconnection to the System 20 through the ASA.

Transmission of the Request to the System Transaction Manager

The User 22 transmits 36 the SIR to the System Transaction Manager 30.An Updated User Profile can accompany the SIR, which the ASR 32 andother components of the System 20 can use to increase the efficiency ofthe transaction (Job), as well as the accuracy of the Speechrecognition/transcription. As stated previously, the content of the UserProfile is specific to a User and more specific to an individual speakerwho may be enrolled in a specific ASR; although most ASRs no longerrequire Enrollment. The User Profile requirements can vary among ASRs32, but typically includes information derived from corrections of pastSpeech recognition and transcription sessions.

It will be realized that the User Profile can also be maintained on theUser Database and retrieved by the System Transaction Manager 30 or ASR32. The legacy User Interface Device (or User work group) may contain aUser Profile and/or an Updated User Profile.

The System 20 transmits 36 the SIR to the System Transaction Manager 30via the communications link 24. The System 20 may use any type ofcommunication system, including a pre-existing public CommunicationSystem such as the Internet, to connect the Requesting User 22 with theSystem Transaction Manager 30. For example, the Application ServiceAdapter (ASA) 80 (see FIG. 3) is able of generating the SIR in theSystem 20 (Normalized Data Format) using, for example, Extensible MarkupLanguage (XML), which is transmitted 36 to the System TransactionManager via Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), andthe like. Other useful data transmission protocols include Network BasicInput-Output System protocol (NetBIOS), NetBIOS Extended User InterfaceProtocol (NetBEUI), Internet Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchangeprotocol (IPX/SPX), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode protocol (ATM). Thechoice of transportation protocol is based on cost, response times, andthe like.

Receipt of the SIR by the System Transaction Manager

As further seen in FIG. 2, the System Transaction Manager 30 receives 38the SIR from the Requesting User 22 via the communications link 24.Receipt 38 of the SIR activates the System Transaction Manager 30 tocreate a Job. For example, if the SIR is not in the appropriate format,the System Transaction Manager 30 translates the SIR into the Systemformat, for example, Normalized Data Format, thus acting as an ASA forthe Requesting User 22. The System Transaction Manager 30 can decryptSIRs based on a decryption key previously supplied by the User 22. TheSystem Transaction Manager 30 also logs the receipt of the SIR, andsends a message to the User 22 via the communications link 24 confirmingreceipt of the SIR. In addition, the System Transaction Manager 30authenticates the User 22 ID, verifies a Subscriber authorization, andassigns a Job ID to be used internally within the System to identify,track, and report on the Job as it is processed through the System.

To simplify this validation and to facilitate subsequent processing 40of the SIR, the System Transaction Manager 30 creates a data record bystripping off the informational header (Meta Data) and by extractingSpeech data (digitized audio) and Commands from the SIR. The resultingdata record can be complete for processing or can command the SystemTransaction Manager 30 to populate the data file from one or moreindexed files or entries in a Database. The total compilation of all theinformation needed to process the SIR comprises a Job with a Job ID,ready for processing. A Job may also refer to a specific ConstrainedRecognition and/or Structured Transcription, including FormattedTranscription requirements to process the Job. SIRs containing Speechfrom Directed Dictation require more specific processing by the SystemTransaction Manager.

During validation of the SIR, the System Transaction Manager 30 examinesthe data record to ensure that the SIR meets certain criteria. Suchcriteria may include compatibility among interfaces which permitinformation exchange between the User 22 and the System TransactionManager 30. Other criteria may include the availability of a UserProfile. Through the Virtual Sound Driver, the System TransactionManager may select any ASR compatible with the spoken text of the SIR.Since the System employing the Virtual Sound Driver is compatible withthe input requirements of all ASRs, the System Transaction Manager neednot test for compatibility. Additional criteria may include thoseassociated with the authentication of the User 22, such as the User's 22status, whether the User 22 has the requisite permissions to accessSystem 20 services, and so on.

If System Transaction Manager 30 is unable to validate the SIR, it logsthe error and stores the data record of the SIR in the System Database.Additionally, the System Transaction Manager 30 returns the SIR to theUser 22, and informs the Requesting User 22 of the validation criteriaor criterion that the Requesting User 22 failed to meet.

Processing of the Request by the System Transaction Manager

Following receipt 38 of the SIR, the System Transaction Manager 30processes 40 the validated SIR (Job) prior to transmitting 42 the spokentext and Commands from the SIR to the ASR 32. As part of the processing40 function, the System Transaction Manager 30 stores the SIR as anentry in an appropriate Job bin or bins for queued processing accordingto the System priority. The Job priority may be based in part onprocessing restrictions imposed by the Speech (e.g., subject matter ofspoken text, Command structure, and the like), which limits the set ofASRs 32 that are capable of processing the Speech.

Bins are further subdivided based on priority level. The SystemTransaction Manager 30 assigns each Job a priority level that depends ona set of administrative rules imposed by the System 20. An individualSIR therefore resides in a Job bin until an ASR 32 requests the “nextjob.” Because of the capabilities and flexibility of the System 20, theSystem Transaction Manager 30 can process Jobs through ASRs in series,i.e. segments, or in parallel, i.e. numerous ASRs operating on segmentsof a single Job, utilizing the Buffer function, the System TransactionManager 30, upon detecting a Command in the audio file to switchvocabulary (needed for Directed Dictation) and/or ASRs, can spool and/orrewind the streamed spoken text such that there is no apparentinterruption in processing from a User 22 viewpoint. In addition,because the System 20 has ability to process Free Form Dictation whichinherently involves additional Commands in the Speech, the SystemTransaction Manager 30 is more closely involved in the processing of theSIR, including segmenting a particular Job to a number of ASRs, i.e.parallel, while keeping track of the segments.

In this respect, System Transaction Manager 30 uses an AudioPreprocessor to read Audio and Non-Audio Commands in the streamed Speechbreaking the spoken text into segments, such that the segments are ableof separate and distinct processing by the System. This is important inprocessing Free Form Dictation and more specifically, DirectedDictation.

The System Transaction Manager 30 releases the next Job having thehighest priority from a Job bin which contains SIRs that can beprocessed by the available ASR 32. Real Time SIRs operate at the highestpriority to allow for Real Time or near Real Time transcription ofSpeech. In the Real Time SIR situation, the System Transaction Manager30 immediately locates one or more available ASRs 32 capable ofprocessing the SIR and establishes a bi-directional direct bridge suchthat spoken and transcribed spoken text can be directly exchangedbetween the requesting User 22 and the ASRs for Real Time or near RealTime processing.

Processing 40 also includes preparing the SIR for transmission 42 to ASR32 by parsing the information header (Meta Data). The System TransactionManager 30 may also execute operations or Commands embedded in the SIRby implementation during processing 40.

Transmission of the SIR from the System Transaction Manager to theSpeech Recognition and Transcription Engine

Once the SIR has been processed 40, the System Transaction Manager 30transmits 42 the spoken text and Commands related to ASR operation to beread by the ASR to the selected ASR via the communications link 24. TheSystem Transaction Manager prepares the SIR for transmission to theappropriate ASR 32. Following preparation of the SIR, the SystemTransaction Manager 30 transmits 42 the SIR to the ASR 32 via thecommunications link 24 and using an acceptable communication protocol,such as HTTP, TCP/IP, FTP, NetBIOS, NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, ATM, and the like.The choice of transportation protocol is based on cost, compatibility,response times, and the like.

Receipt of the SIR by the ASR

The System Transaction Manager 30 transmits 42 the SIR to the ASR 32,which has authority to access any information in any database needed toprocess the SIR. Further, Audio or Non-Audio Commands may be read by theASR to specify transcription and/or formatting. This is especially truewith Directed Dictation requiring Constrained Recognition and/orStructured Transcription. Additional information required to process theJob by the ASR may be accessed in various Databases by the ASR or suchinformation can be retained in the ASR Database.

Receipt 44 of the SIR activates the ASR 32 (or Speech Recognition andTranscription Server (SRTS)) which logs and authenticates the receipt ofthe SIR to the System Transaction Manager. The ASR tests the Systemprotocol to determine compatibility with the ASR protocol. If they arenot compatible, then System 20 employs one or more Speech ApplicationService Adapters (see FIG. 3) to provide an interface between the SystemTransaction Manager 30 and the ASR 32.

During processing the SIR and generating the Response 46, the ASR 32 isable to access the ASR Database to obtain User directed files, such asUser Profile, Command dictionary, Enrollment and the like.Alternatively, the ASR 32 may request from the System TransactionManager 30 to access Universal and User Databases to obtain theinformation required.

Processing of the SIR and Generation of the Response by the ASR

Following receipt 44 of the SIR, the ASR 32 processes the SIR andgenerates a response 46. The Response comprises a transcription of thespoken text containing formatting which may refer to the internalrepresentation of the transcribed Speech within the System 20 (i.e., itsdata structure) or to the external representation of the transcribedSpeech (i.e., its visual appearance) or to both.

The ASR 32 transcribes the Speech and generates the Response. Like theSIR, the Response comprises the transcribed Speech and Commands relatedto post-processing and Meta Data. The ASR transmits 48 the Response tothe System Transaction Manager 30 via the communications link 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, if the ASR 32 cannot write the Response inNormalized Data Format, an ASR Application Service Adapter 84 and/or aSpeech Service Adapter 86 generates the Response from a transcriptionproduced using the ASR 32 existing ASR protocol. Once the Response hasbeen generated, it is queued for transmission to the System TransactionManager 30.

Transmission of the Response from the ASR to the System TransactionManager

As shown in FIG. 2, following processing the SIR and generating theresponse 46, the ASR 32 transmits 48 the Response to the SystemTransaction Manager 30 via the communications link 24 using anacceptable communication protocol, such as HTTP, TCP/IP, FTP, NetBIOS,NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, ATM, and the like. The choice of transportationprotocol is based on cost, compatibility, response times, and the like.

Receipt and processing of the Response by the System Transaction Manager

The System Transaction Manager 30 logs its receipt 50 of the Responseand sends an acknowledgment to the ASR 32 via the communications link24. To prepare for transmission 54 of the Response to the Receiving Useras designated in the original SIR, the System Transaction Manager 30 canperform other processing 52, including providing FormattedTranscription.

In addition, the System Transaction Manager 30 can place the Response orJob in a Correctionist Pool queue to await processing by aCorrectionist. Following correction, the Job is returned to the SystemTransaction Manager 30 for transmission 54 to the Requesting User 22 orother Users.

Following correction or other processing 52, the System TransactionManager 30 notifies the Requesting User 22 and/or other Receiving Usersthat a Response to the SIR is available. The System Transaction Manager30 ordinarily notifies the Recipient or Receiving User 22 usingelectronic messaging via the Communications Link 24, but in general, maynotify the User 22 by any technique specified by the Requesting User 22or the Recipient or Receiving User. In any case, the Response remains asa record in a Database maintained by the System 20 until archived. TheResponse so maintained may be accessed by any authorized User at anytime and comprises a separate Job.

Transmission of the Response to the Requesting User, DesignatedRecipients, or Both

Following processing 52, the System Transaction Manager 30 transmits 54the Response to the SIR to the Requesting User 22 and/or to any otherRecipient Users as designated in the SIR. If necessary, the SystemTransaction Manager 30 appends the User 22 ID and any additional Routinginformation, and transmits 54 the Response via the communications link24 using an appropriate protocol as described above.

Receipt of the Response by the Designated Recipient Users, Including theRequesting User

The System Transaction Manager 30 transmits 54 the Response to theRecipient Users, which usually includes the Requesting User 22. If theRecipient User can accept a Response expressed in the Normalized DataFormat or if the Response is expressed in a format that is compatiblewith the Recipient User legacy User protocol, then the Recipient Userforwards the Response on for processing 58. As seen in FIG. 3, if theformat of the Response is incompatible with the Recipient User's legacyUser protocol, then the System 20 may employ an ASA 80 to provide aninterface between the System Transaction Manager 30 and the RecipientUser. Ordinarily, the Requesting User 22 and any non-requesting Users orpassive Users 22 will employ ASAs that reside on their respective legacyUser systems. Wherever the ASA resides, the Recipient User usually sendsa message to the System Transaction Manager 30 via the communicationslink 24 acknowledging receipt 56 of the Response.

Processing of the Response by the Recipient Users, Including theRequesting User

After receiving 56 a Response compatible with the Recipient User'slegacy User protocol, the Requesting User 22 (or any Recipient) mayprocess 58 the Response as necessary. Any processing 58 will depend onthe particular needs of the Requesting User 22 or Recipient; and,therefore, may vary significantly among Recipients. Typical processing58 includes error correction, formatting, broadcasting, computation, andso on.

Speech Recognition and Transcription System Utilizing Various NativeApplication Protocols

FIG. 3, which has been briefly referred to previously, shows a simpleblock diagram of one advantageous embodiment of the System using bothservice adapters and routing adapters which System can comprisefunctionality of the User or the ASR and/or the System TransactionManager. The System includes a User 22′, which communicates, at leastindirectly, with a System Transaction Manager 30′ and an ASR 32′.Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the System 20′ could includemultiple Users, including passive Users, Requesting Users, and/orReceiving Users and ASRs, and could include a plurality of SystemTransaction Managers.

As described in more detail below, the User 22′ communicates with theSystem Transaction Manager 30′ through a User Application ServiceAdapter 80 and a User Service Adapter 82. Similarly, the ASR 32′communicates with the System Transaction Manager 30′ through an ASRApplication Service Adapter 84 and a Speech Service Adapter 86.

The User 22′ can initiate the transaction as a Requesting User, as shownin FIG. 3, and can utilize a legacy protocol 88, a new protocol 90, or auniform System protocol 92, which is compatible with the Normalized DataFormat utilized by the System Transaction Manager 30′. When using thelegacy protocol 88, the User 22′ communicates with an ASA interface 94in much the same manner as the System 20 User 22 of FIG. 2. However, aUser 22′, employing the new protocol 90, communicates with an API 96,which, besides providing an interface between the User 22′ and theSystem Transaction Manager 30′, also allows the User 22′ to accessservices that an operating system makes available to applicationsrunning under its control. The API 96 can provide services (e.g.,automatic generation of insurance forms, engineering design templates,pleadings, and the like) geared to activities of a particular industryor group such as, for example, physicians, engineers, lawyers, and thelike.

Like the System Transaction Manager 30′, the uniform System protocol 92processes information expressed in the Normalized Data Format.Therefore, an ASA interface 94, which links the uniform System protocol92 with the User Service Adapter 82 and the System Transaction Manager30′, provides minimal translation services, and typically simplyvalidates any SIR or Response.

As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the System 20′ depicted in FIG.3 provides Speech recognition and transcription services using SIRs andResponses. To initiate transcription of Speech, a Requesting User 22′thus generates a SIR using the legacy protocol 88, or the new protocol90, or the uniform System protocol 92. It will be realized that if theRequesting User 22′ has the ability to generate a SIR in uniform Systemprotocol, there is no need to access an ASA, as described below.

In addition to providing Speech for transcription, the SIR includes MetaData, for example, addresses or specific addresses of the ASR 32, aswell as Recipients of the Response and the like.

Once the Requesting User 22′ creates the SIR using its legacy protocol88, it transmits the SIR to the User ASA 80 for processing whichtransforms, if necessary, the SIR so that it adheres to the SystemTransaction Manager's uniform System protocol.

As shown in FIG. 3, following transformation of the SIR, the ApplicationService Adapter 80 forwards the SIR to the User Service Adapter 82. ARouting process 100 within the User Service Adapter 82 forwards the SIRto the System Transaction Manager 30′ over a communications link 24′(e.g., TCP/IP link). The Routing process 100 within the User ServiceAdapter 82 does not operate on information in the header or dataportions of the SIR destined for the System Transaction Manager 30′.

Once the System Transaction Manager 30′ receives the SIR, a parsingprocess 102 obtains addresses provided in the Meta Data contained in theSIR, which allows the System Transaction Manager 30′ to identify, amongother things, the targeted ASR 32′. When the parsing process 102 obtainsaddresses of multiple ASRs and/or ASRs having different capabilities,for example, to process using Constrained Recognition and StructuredTranscription, especially in response to SIRs created by DirectedDictation, the System Transaction Manager 30′ distributes these SIRsand/or segments (as broken down by the Audio Preprocessor, not shown)for processing as described above. In this manner, the Job can proceedthrough the System either in parallel or in series, depending onparticular requirements of the SIR. As set forth previously, the System,using the Virtual Sound Driver, provides the System Transaction Managerwith the ability to use various ASRs irrespective of their system inputrequirements. Other information, such as the selected language,vocabulary, topic, and the like, when transmitted to an ASR, can requirethe ASR to process the SIR using Constrained Recognition and/orStructured Transcription as set forth above.

Following parsing of the addresses (Meta Data), the System TransactionManager 30′ forwards the SIRs to an authorization process 104. Bycomparing information in the SIR with entries in a lookup table, theauthorization process 104 verifies the identities of the Requesting User22′ and other Recipients (if any), the identities of their protocols,and the identities of the ASR 32′, as well as the Subscriber authorizingthe transaction.

In conjunction with the authorization process 104, the SystemTransaction Manager 30′ dispatches the SIR to a logging process 106,which logs each SIR. If the authorization process 104 determines that aSIR has failed authorization for any number of reasons (lack of accessto the ASR 32′, invalid Recipients, unauthorized Requestor, or thelike), the logging process 106 notes the failure in the session controltable and notifies an accumulator process 108. The accumulator process108 keeps track of the original SIR and all duplicates of the originalSIR. After the SIR is logged, it passes to a Routing process 110, whichdirects the SIR to the Speech Service Adapter 86, which is associatedwith the targeted ASR 32′.

When the original SIR designates multiple ASRs, the Routing process 110directs the duplicate SIRs to the appropriate Speech Service Adapters 86associated with the ASRs. The Routing process 110 examines the addressof the addressee in the SIR and then either routes the SIR to theappropriate Speech Service Adapter(s) 84 using the ASR 32′ address inthe header, or places the SIR into a prioritized “first in-first out”(FIFO) queue where it waits for the required ASR.

A Routing process 114 within the Speech Service Adapter 86 directs theSIR to an appropriate interface 116, 118, 120 within the ASR ApplicationService Adapter 84. The choice of interface 116, 118, 120 depends onwhether the ASR 32′ utilizes a legacy protocol 122, a new protocol 124,or a uniform System protocol 126, respectively. As noted above withrespect to the Requesting User's 22 protocols 88, 90, 92, the ASR 32′,and the Speech Recognition and Transcription Server that supports theASR 32′, employs only one of the protocols 122, 124, 126. Similarly, theASR Application Service Adapter 84 has only one interface 116, 118, 120,depending on the protocol 122, 124, 126 utilized by the ASR 32′.

Upon receipt of the SIR, the interface 116, 118 stores the Job ID andMeta Data, and translates the SIR into the Native Applications Protocoland Native Communications Protocol, if necessary. Once the ASR 32′transcribes SIRs expressed in the Normalized Data Format, the interface120 validates the SIRs. In any event, the interface 116, 118, 120forwards the translated or validated SIR to the ASR 32′.

After receiving the SIR, the ASR 32′ generates a Response, whichincludes a transcription of spoken text and processing Commands, such asto obtain a Formatted Transcription, and transmits the Response to theSystem Transaction Manager 30′ via the ASR Application Service Adapter84 and the Speech Service Adapter 86. The ASR Application ServiceAdapter 84 forwards the Response (in Normalized Data Format) to theSpeech Service Adapter. The Routing process 114 within the SpeechService Adapter 86 forwards the Response to the System TransactionManager 30′, again using a communications protocol compatible with theuniform System protocol. Following receipt of the Response, the Routingprocess 110 within the System Transaction Manager 30′ notifies theaccumulator process 108 that a Response has been received. Theaccumulator process 108 checks the session control table to determine ifall Responses have been received for the original SIR. If any Responsesare outstanding, the accumulator process 108 goes into a waitingcondition. This process continues until all Responses to the originalSIR and any duplicate Requests have been received, have been timed out,or have been rejected because of an authorization 104 failure.

After the original SIR and all duplicate Requests have been processed,the accumulator process 108 emerges from its wait condition and createsa single Response to the original SIR by combining all of the Responsesfrom the targeted ASRs. The accumulator process 108 dispatches anasynchronous message to the logging process 106, which logs the combinedResponse, and forwards the combined Response to the Routing process 110.The Routing process 110 reads the address of the Requesting User 22′ andthe addresses of any additional or alternative Recipients of theResponse, and forwards the Response or Responses to the User ServiceAdapter 82 and, alternatively or optionally, to other appropriateRecipient User Service Adapters. Focusing on the Requesting User 22′,once the User Service Adapter 82 receives the Response, the Routingprocess 100 within the User Service Adapter 82 transmits the Responseback to the User Application Service Adapter 80 with the appropriateinterface 94, 96, 98. The Routing process 100 within the User ServiceAdapter 82 determines the appropriate interface 94, 96, 98 by examiningthe Response header or to whichever interface initiated the transaction.Continuing the earlier example, the ASA interface 94 reformats theResponse, which is expressed in the Normalized Data Format, so that itis compatible with the legacy protocol 88 of the Requesting User 22′. Aspart of the translation process, the ASA interface embeds the Job IDinto the Meta Data contained in the Response as is required by thelegacy protocol 88.

Interface Between Users and System Transaction Manager

Turning to FIG. 4, a typical User interface 150 is shown. This interface150 permits bi-directional communication between the User 22′ and theSystem Transaction Manager 30′ as shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, using anapplication 152, running on a microprocessor, the Requesting User 22′generates a SIR, as previously described. The application 152 conformsto a Native Application Protocol 154, which generates a SIR comprisingdictated Speech which may be a Real Time or near Real Time SIR. As notedabove in discussing FIG. 3, the User 22′ also employs a NativeCommunications Protocol 156 to enable transmission of the SIR to anApplication Service Adapter 80′.

In accordance with the embodiment containing Directed Dictation throughthe human machine interface (HMI) provided between the User 22′ and theUser Interface Device (not shown), there is established by ApplicationService Adapter 80′ a bi-directional communication link between User 22′and the System Transaction Manager 30.’ In accordance with thisembodiment, the User 22′ by interface with the User Interface Deviceconstrains or otherwise restricts parameters for the subject matter andcontent of the dictated Speech. For example, prompts on the UserInterface Device specify the type of dictation required. The prompts onthe User Interface Device can be provided by the legacy User protocolSystem and/or the System Transaction Manager. The ASA 80′ interface inthis embodiment collects and stores appropriate data related to theseprompts such as the position of the caret on the User Interface Deviceand translation of the relationship between caret placements to providethe System Transaction Manager with information concerning therequirements for Constrained Recognition and/or StructuredTranscription.

The Application Service Adapter 80′ is an application layer thatprovides, among other things, bi-directional translation among theNative Application Protocol 154, the Native Communications Protocol 156,and a uniform System protocol 158 utilized by the System TransactionManager 30′. A transport layer 160 transfers the resulting SIR to theSystem Transaction Manager 30′ via, for example, streaming (Real Time ornear Real Time) output.

As noted above, an ASR 32′ responds to the SIR by generating a Responseto the SIR. Following the generation and receipt of the Response fromthe System Transaction Manager 30′, the Application Service Adapter 80′converts the Response so that it is compatible with the NativeApplication Protocol 154. The Requesting User 22′ can then employ theapplication 152 to correct and to manipulate the Response, whichincludes a transcription of the Speech in, for example, Rich Text Format(RTF), as well as the original Speech (e.g., recorded voice wave data)or modified Speech (e.g., compressed and/or filtered, enhanced, or thelike, recorded voice wave data). Following correction, the User 22′ cansubmit the transcription to the Application Service Adapter 80′ forupdating its User Profile, for storing in a site-specific documentDatabase, and so on.

The Application Service Adapter 80′ can convert SIRs, Responses, and thelike using any mechanism, including API services 96, cutting and pastinginformation in a clipboard maintained by the application's 152 operatingsystem, or transmitting characters in ASCII, EBCDIC, UNICODE formats,and the like. Job information includes identifications of the UserProfile and of the ASR 32′. The Job information can also includepreexisting and User-defined language Commands.

The uniform System protocol 158 also packages Jobs containing Usercorrected transcribed text and wave data, which provide pronunciationsof new vocabulary words or words that the ASR 32′ could not recognize,and are stored in the User Profile for subsequent use by the User's useof the specified ASR. This information can be stored on the UserDatabase and/or Universal Database and/or ASR Database.

The uniform System protocol 158 compiles much of the Job in cooperationwith the User Service Adapter 82′. In addition to Job Routing services,the User Service Adapter 82′ also provides an interface for maintainingthe User Profile and for updating Job processing settings. The UserService Adapter 82′ thus provides services for finalizing a correctionof the Response, which allows updating of the User Profile with contextinformation and with a pronunciation guide for words the ASR 32′ couldnot recognize. The User Service Adapter 82′ also provides services forcreating new User Profiles, for maintaining Commands, for notifying theUser of Job status, for modifying the Correctionist Pool configuration,and for archiving documents obtained from processing the Response.

System Transaction Manager

FIG. 5 shows additional features of a System Transaction Manager 30″.The System Transaction Manager 30″ exchanges information bilaterallywith the User interface 150 of FIG. 4 through their respective transportlayers 180, 160, as set forth in detail above. Data exchange between thetransport layers 160, 180 can occur in Real Time or near Real Time(streaming) or in batch mode, and includes transmission of SIRs andResponses and any other Job related information.

Following receipt of Job information from the transport layer 180, auniform System protocol layer 182, within the System Transaction Manager30,” decodes the Job information (SIRs) into Meta Data, Commands, andspoken text. The System Transaction Manager 30″ routes the Job to anapplication portal 184, a Correctionist portal 186, or a Speechrecognition and transcription portal 188, depending upon processesrequired and the status of the Job routed, i.e. incoming SIR, Responseto be corrected, Response, or the like. The uniform System protocollayer 182 decodes and authenticates each Command in accordance with eachspecific portal's security requirements. The uniform System protocollayer 182 logs and rejects any Jobs that fail authentication. The SystemTransaction Manager 30″ passes authenticated Jobs to a workflowcomponent 190, which converts Jobs into an instruction set as specifiedby a Job logic layer 192.

The System Transaction Manager 30″ includes a data access layer 194,which stores or accesses any data in data source 196 that is necessaryto support a Job. The data access layer 194 converts instructionsrequesting data into Commands that are specific to a given Database orDatabases designated by the Job (e.g. a SQL Server, an Oracle dB, OLEstorage, and the like).

As can be seen in FIG. 5, a task manager 148 handles instructionspertaining to submission and retrieval of Jobs, which are placed intoqueued Job bins 200 to await processing (e.g., transcription of Speech).The task manager 148 adds Jobs to a particular Job bin 200 based onrules from the Job logic layer 192. These rules permit the task manager148 to match a Job's requirements with processing capabilitiesassociated with a particular Job bin 200 (e.g., language, basevocabulary, topic, User Commands, ASR, pre- and post-processing, and thelike). Each Job bin 200 is associated with a set of ASRs. The SystemTransaction Manager 30″ creates or associates Job bins 200 for eachnetworked SRTS 220 (FIG. 6), which may include one or more ASRs,attached to the SRTS, and transfers capability data.

The task manager 148 releases Jobs based on priority rules, includingwhether an available ASR or SRTS has access to a valid copy of theRequesting User's Profile. Based on rules from the Job logic layer 192,the task manager 148 determines a match between an available ASR and aJob awaiting processing in queued Job bins 200. The task manager 148releases Jobs for processing only when each of the rules is satisfied.Such rules include parameters detailing how to process a Job, which thetask manager 148 compares with the capabilities of particular ASRs. Thetask manager 148 also processes pre- and post-processing of Jobs andcleanup of error conditions resulting from network interruptions,equipment failure, poor dictation audio, and the like.

In order to satisfy rules imposed by the Job logic layer 192 or Commandssubmitted by the Requesting User 22′, the System Transaction Manager 30″flags certain Jobs for post-processing. Post-processing allows foradditional operations to be performed on a Job by, for example, allowingany User specific and/or automated System processing of the Job,including Formatted Transcription which can be, for example, carried outby the Audio Preprocessor. A post-processing manager 202 adds theflagged Jobs (e.g., Responses) to a post-processing Job queue (notshown). When a post-processor (which may be on any system in thenetwork) becomes available, the post-processing manager 202 releasesJobs singly or in batch, depending on the requirements of thepost-processor. For each post-processor, the post-processing manager 202loads a component in the System, which the post-processing manager 202retains until the post-processor detaches. Each post-processoridentifies what Jobs or Commands it will operate on by providing theSystem Transaction Manager 30″ with Job type specifications. As can beseen in FIG. 5, a post-processing Application Programming Interface(API) layer 204 provides a common path for extracting Job data from theSystem Transaction Manager 30″, which the post-processor can use forpost-processing.

Speech Recognition and Transcription

FIG. 6 provides a functional description of a Speech Recognition andTranscription Server (SRTS) 220, which includes an ASR 32″ forautomatically transcribing SIRs. Although FIG. 6 shows a SRTS 220 havinga single ASR 32′, the SRTS 220 could include multiple ASR.

The SRTS 220 exchanges information with the System Transaction Manager30″ of FIG. 5 through their respective transport layers 222, 180 using auniform System protocol 224, 182. Data exchange between the transportlayers 222, 180 can occur in Real Time or near Real Time (streaming) orin batch mode, and includes transmission of SIRs, Responses, and anyother Job related information, including User Profile Updates.

The SRTS 220 includes a pipeline (connection interface) manager 221,which manages one or more workflow pipelines 226, which controlprocessing of Jobs. Each of the workflow pipelines 226 is coupled to aspecific ASR 32′ via a Speech Recognition Service Adapter 84′. When aparticular workflow pipeline 226 becomes available to process a Job, itnotifies the System Transaction Manager 30″ (FIG. 5) via the transportlayer 222. Upon its receipt within the appropriate workflow pipeline226, the Job is stored in the local Job queue 225, while it undergoesprocessing.

Processing includes a pre-process step which can comprise validation ofthe Job, synchronization of a Job specific User Profile with a localcached version, and synchronization of a User specific Databasecontaining dictation Commands, training information and the like.

The service adapter associated with the Audio Preprocessor is comprisedof a vendor independent APE interface 234 and a vendor dependent APEinterface 236 which provides the linkage to an external audio pre/postprocess engine (APE) 232. The audio pre\post process engine 232 canreside on the SRTS 220 or a peer-to-peer network and/or the cloud, asspecifically described above. An audio preprocess adapter 228 extractsthe audio portion from the Job and loads an appropriate audio pre\postprocess engine 232, which prepares the audio stream in accordance withthe Commands contained within the Job or the inserted into the audiostream itself.

The workflow controller 238 operates on audio pre/post preprocess engine232 output. In one embodiment, the workflow controller 238 loads,configures, and starts the automated Speech Recognition Service Adapter84′ to process Audio Data as a single data stream. In other embodiments,the workflow controller 238 creates a task list, which references ASRapplication service adapters associated with separate ASRs 32′. In suchembodiments, the workflow controller 238 configures each of the ASRapplication service adapters to process various segments that the audiopre/post process engine 232 has marked, for processing by the separateASR 32′. The latter embodiment allows for selecting separate ASR 32′ forspeech-to-text processing and for speech-to-command processing. Commandscan be executed in Real Time or near Real Time, or converted into ascript for batch mode post processing.

In any case, the workflow controller 238 loads, configures, and startsthe ASR Application Service Adapter 84′ to begin processing a Job. Ascan be seen in FIG. 6, the ASR Application Service Adapter 84′ includesa vendor independent ASR interface 240, which provides the SystemTransaction Manager 30″ with ASR 32″ settings and with Job informationto assist in determining the appropriate ASR 32″ to process a given Job.The vendor independent ASR interface 240 also creates a vendor dependentASR interface 242 object and passes the ASR settings, as well as anyother data necessary to process the Job to the System TransactionManager 30″ (FIG. 5). The vendor dependent ASR interface 242 initializesthe ASR 32″ with ASR specific process settings and with preprocessedaudio data from the audio pre/post process engine 232, which the ASR 32″transcribes in accordance with the process settings.

The above description is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive. Many embodiments and many applications besides the examplesprovided would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading theabove description. The scope of the invention should therefore bedetermined, not with reference to the above description, but shouldinstead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Thedisclosures of all articles and references, including patents, patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference in theirentirety and for all purposes.

1. A system for facilitating free form dictation and constrained speechrecognition and/or structured transcription among users havingheterogeneous system protocols the system comprising: at least onesystem transaction manager using a uniform system protocol, adapted toreceive a verified streamed speech information request from at least oneuser employing a first user legacy protocol, and configured to route aresponse to one or more users employing a second user legacy protocol,the speech information request comprised of free form dictation ofspoken text and commands and the response comprised of a transcriptionof spoken text; a user interface capable of bi-directional communicationwith the system transaction manager and supporting dictationapplications, including prompts to direct user dictation in response touser system protocol commands and system transaction manager commandsthe user interface being in bi-directional communication with thesystems transaction manager; and, at least one speech recognition and/ortranscription engine communicating with the system systems transactionmanager wherein the speech recognition and/or transcription engine isconfigured to receive the speech information request containing spokentext and commands for constrained speech recognition transmitted by thesystems transaction manager, to generate structured transcription inresponse to the speech information request, and to transmit the responsecomprised of structured transcription to the system transaction manager.2. The system of claim 1 further comprising an application serviceadapter configured to provide bi-directional translation between thefirst user legacy protocol and the uniform system protocol and betweenthe second user legacy protocol and the uniform system protocol.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1 further comprising a buffer in communication with thesystem transaction manager for receiving selected portions of the speechinformation request and retaining such portions in response to embeddedand systems transaction manager commands and for transmitting theretained portions to a system component, including the speechrecognition and/or transcription engine on command.
 4. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising a virtual sound driver in communication withthe systems transaction manager and the speech recognition and/ortranscription engine for streaming a free form dictation speechinformation request to the speech recognition and/or transcriptionengine wherein the virtual sound driver outputs the speech informationrequest in a data format, which compatible with the speech recognitionand/or transcription engine input format, regardless of the actualoriginating source format.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said firstuser legacy protocol is the same as or different than the second userlegacy protocol.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the speech informationrequest comprises previously transcribed formatted spoken text.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the free form dictation is directed dictationand the dictation applications, including prompts, are administered anddirected by the system.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the applicationservice adapter includes (i) a first user application service adapter,the first user application service adapter communicating with the atleast one of the users that employ the first user legacy protocol andwith the systems transaction manager, and (ii) a second user applicationservice adapter, the second user application service adaptercommunicating with the one or more users that employ the second userlegacy protocol and with the systems transaction manager, and providingthe one or more users with the response.
 9. A system for facilitatingdirected dictation and constrained speech recognition and/or structuredtranscription among users having heterogeneous system protocols thesystem comprising: at least one system transaction manager using auniform system protocol, adapted to receive a verified streamed speechinformation request from at least one user employing a first user legacyprotocol, and configured to route a response to one or more usersemploying a second user legacy protocol, the speech information requestcomprised of free form dictation of spoken text and commands and theresponse comprised of a transcription of spoken text; a user interfacecapable of bi-directional communication with the system transactionmanager and supporting dictation applications, including prompts todirect user dictation in response to user system protocol commands andsystem transaction manager commands, the user interface being inbi-directional communication with the system transaction manager andwherein the dictation applications including prompts are administeredand directed by the system; at least one speech recognition and/ortranscription engine communicating with the system systems transactionmanager wherein the speech recognition and/or transcription engine isconfigured to receive the speech information request containing spokentext and commands for constrained speech recognition transmitted by thesystems transaction manager, to generate structured transcription inresponse to the speech information request, and to transmit the responsecomprised of structured transcription to the system transaction manager;at least one buffer in communication with the systems transactionmanager for receiving selected portions of the speech informationrequest and retaining such portions in response to embedded and systemstransaction manager commands and for transmitting the retained portionsto a system component. including the speech recognition and/ortranscription engine on command; a virtual sound driver in communicationwith the system transaction manager and the speech recognition and/ortranscription engine for streaming a free formed dictation speechinformation request to the speech recognition and/or transcriptionengine wherein the virtual sound driver outputs the speech informationrequest in a data format which compatible with the speech recognitionand/or transcription engine input format; regardless of the actualoriginating source format; and, an application service adapterconfigured to provide bi-directional translation between the first userlegacy protocol and the uniform system protocol and between the seconduser legacy protocol and the uniform system protocol.
 10. A method ofproviding transcribed spoken text among users, the method comprising:generating a speech information request using a user interface devicecapable of bi-directional communication with the system transactionmanager and supporting dictation applications including prompts todirect user dictation in response to user system protocol commands andsystem transaction manager commands, the user interface being inbi-directional communication with the systems transaction managerwherein the speech information request is comprised of spoken textobtained through a first user legacy protocol; transmitting the speechinformation request to a speech recognition and/or transcription enginevia a Systems Transaction Manager, the Systems Transaction Manager usinga uniform system protocol; generating a response to the speechinformation request using the speech recognition and/or transcriptionengine, the response comprised of a transcription sending the responseto a user via the system transaction manager; and providing the userwith a transcription of the spoken text that is compatible with a seconduser legacy protocol that is different than the first legacy protocol;wherein the transmitting step and the sending step includes translatingbetween the first user legacy protocol and the uniform system protocoland between the second user legacy protocol and the uniform systemprotocol, respectively.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein thetransmitting step includes using a buffer in communication with thesystem transaction manager for receiving selected portions of the speechinformation request and retaining such portions in response to embeddedand systems transaction manager commands and for transmitting theretained portions to a system component, including the speechrecognition and/or transcription engine on command.
 12. The method ofclaim 10 wherein the transmitting step includes using a virtual sounddriver in communication with the system transaction manager and thespeech recognition and/or transcription engine for streaming a free formdictation speech information request to the speech recognition and/ortranscription engine wherein the virtual sound driver outputs the speechinformation request in a data format which is compatible with the speechrecognition and/or transcription engine input format, regardless of theactual originating source format.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein thetranslation is provided by an application service adapter.
 14. Themethod of claim 13 wherein the application service adapter is selectedfrom a user application service adapter, a user service adapter, anspeech recognition and/or transcription engine application serviceadapter, a speech service adapter, and combinations thereof.
 15. Themethod of claim 10 wherein said first user legacy protocol is the sameas or different than the second user legacy protocol.
 16. The method ofclaim 10 wherein the speech information request comprises previouslytranscribed formatted spoken text.
 17. The method of claim 10 whereinsaid first user legacy protocol is the same as or different than thesecond user legacy protocol.